‘Rush Hour 4’ Officially in Development at Paramount Following Trump’s Reported Request

Paramount Pictures is set to revive the iconic Rush Hour franchise with a fourth installment — a move that reportedly came at the personal request of President Donald Trump, according to a report from Semafor.

The long-awaited Rush Hour 4 will reunite Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, nearly two decades after the last film in the action-comedy series. Brett Ratner, who directed the original trilogy, is returning to direct despite his past controversy stemming from 2017’s #MeToo allegations that sidelined his Hollywood career.

Presidential Influence Behind the Revival

Industry insiders claim the sequel gained unexpected momentum after President Trump expressed interest in seeing the franchise revived. The president reportedly contacted executives directly, encouraging a greenlight for the project as part of what sources described as a “nostalgic cultural push” for family-friendly action comedies.

Paramount has since acquired distribution rights, while Warner Bros., whose New Line label originally produced the first three Rush Hour films, will retain a first-dollar gross deal, guaranteeing them a cut of the box office revenue before financiers recoup their costs.

Paramount, however, will only handle theatrical distribution and will not finance or market the production directly.

The Original Franchise Legacy

The first Rush Hour debuted in 1998, pairing Tucker’s fast-talking LAPD detective with Chan’s disciplined Hong Kong inspector in a high-energy buddy cop adventure. It became a global hit, earning $244 million at the worldwide box office.

The sequels — Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007) — grossed $347 million and $258 million, respectively, solidifying the franchise as one of Hollywood’s most successful comedy-action trilogies.

Despite the commercial success, both Tucker and Chan have taken a step back from the spotlight in recent years. Chan, now 71, continues to work selectively, while Tucker hasn’t headlined a major film since Rush Hour 3.

Paramount’s Expanding Slate Under Ellison

The move aligns with Paramount’s new strategy under chairman and CEO David Ellison, following the studio’s recent acquisition by Skydance Media. Ellison aims to expand the studio’s annual release count from eight films in 2025 to 15 in 2026 and nearly 18 by 2028.

Ellison — son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a known Trump ally — has been praised by the president for his leadership since the acquisition.

What’s Next for ‘Rush Hour 4’?

Plot details remain under wraps, though the sequel will once again pair Chan and Tucker for another international escapade blending comedy and martial arts. The production timeline and release date have not been confirmed, but industry analysts expect the film to begin shooting in 2026.

Given shifting audience trends and the rarity of hit theatrical comedies in recent years, Rush Hour 4 could prove both a nostalgic throwback and a key test for Paramount’s retooled theatrical ambitions.

Would you watch Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reunite for another Rush Hour adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments on InvestRecords.com.