Paramount is bringing back the “Rush Hour” movie series, with a fourth installment set to hit theaters. This revival comes more than twenty years after the last film. Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump played a role in this decision, urging Paramount to revive the franchise, which has been dormant for years.
Funding for “Rush Hour 4” is now in place, and a distribution deal has been struck with Warner Bros. This collaboration marks a significant shift, as Warner Bros. previously held the franchise under its New Line label.
The “Rush Hour” films were highly popular, especially in China, raking in over $850 million worldwide. They boosted the careers of stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. However, the landscape for comedies has changed dramatically in recent years, and both actors are older now, with Chan being 71 and Tucker absent from major films since 2007.
The original director, Brett Ratner, faced serious allegations in 2017, which caused his career to stall. He will be back to direct the new “Rush Hour,” which has sparked some controversy. Critics have voiced concern about Trump’s influence in Hollywood, as he aims to shape films with what he calls “classical masculinity.”
In the wake of changes in the film industry, Paramount aims to ramp up movie production, targeting 15 films in 2026 and up to 18 by 2028. This ambition coincides with a broader industry shake-up, with several major studios, including Comcast and Netflix, eager to acquire Warner Bros.
Interestingly, public reaction to reviving nostalgia-driven franchises like “Rush Hour” remains mixed. Some fans are excited to see Chan and Tucker back on screen, while others are skeptical, questioning the need for more sequels in a time when fresh ideas are craved.
For more insights on studio revivals and trends in filmmaking, check out sources like Variety for industry updates.
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