(Image Source: Pinterest, New Line Cinema)
Every so often, news about a fourth installment in the "Rush Hour" series surfaces, sometimes as a rumor, other times directly confirmed by stars Jackie Chan or Chris Tucker. Yet, for years, the project has remained stalled. Now, new reports indicate that former President Donald J. Trump is actively pushing for the sequel.
News outlet Semafor reports that Trump, who maintains close ties with Paramount Global's new leadership, is lobbying them to take over the "Rush Hour" franchise from Warner Bros. Pictures and greenlight the fourth film.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
Last August, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the "Rush Hour" franchise's stagnation was partly due to the numerous sexual misconduct allegations against longtime series director Brett Ratner (pictured above) several years prior. While Warner Bros. had permitted other companies to acquire the sequel's production rights, Ratner's continued involvement—or at least his guaranteed executive producer credit due to contractual obligations—deterred multiple studios, including Paramount Pictures (before its merger with Skydance Media), from taking on the project, as they wished to avoid any association with him.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
However, Skydance Media founder David Ellison, whose company recently acquired Paramount, and his father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison (who also invested in the acquisition), maintain close ties with Trump. Larry Ellison is a known friend and supporter of the former president. Trump, a known fan of traditional action films, is reportedly leveraging this connection to strongly urge David Ellison, the newly appointed CEO of Paramount Global, to secure the "Rush Hour" franchise rights and expedite production on a fourth installment.
Last month, reports also surfaced that Trump is highly supportive of Paramount Global's ongoing bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Should that acquisition succeed, Paramount Global would directly gain the rights to initiate production on "Rush Hour 4," significantly increasing the likelihood of the sequel moving forward.
via： Semafor