Paramount Pictures has agreed to release a long-awaited Rush Hour 4 after a push from President Donald Trump, according to reporting by Deadline and Variety.
The green light comes days after Trump posted on Truth Social about the franchise, saying, "I’ve always loved Rush Hour—funny, action-packed, and great chemistry between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. We need more movies like this!”
Why it Matters
The revival of the Rush Hour franchise after the president's praise highlights the growing intersection between political influence and Hollywood production decisions.
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As traditional studios face increasing pressure from cultural and political figures, the greenlighting of Rush Hour 4 underscores how entertainment content may be shaped by external forces.
What To Know
Trump personally urged Paramount owner Larry Ellison to pursue a fourth Rush Hour film starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, according to Semafor reporting corroborated by Deadline and Variety.
The project is expected to once again feature director Brett Ratner, who had previous ties to the franchise and recently completed a documentary on first lady Melania Trump.
Rush Hour 4 marks Ratner's first major directing project since he faced sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, which he denied and settled out of court. Despite past controversy, his hiring comes with the backing of both Trump and Ellison, The Guardian reported.
Released in 1998, the original Rush Hour film became an international success, grossing over $245 million worldwide and spawning two sequels. After years of speculation and stalled negotiations, several studios—including Warner Bros.—passed on a fourth installment, with Paramount now taking on the distribution for a substantial fee.
What Did Donald Trump Say About 'Rush Hour'?
Trump made his admiration for the Rush Hour franchise public, reportedly posting on Truth Social: “I’ve always loved Rush Hour—funny, action-packed, and great chemistry between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. We need more movies like this!”
As reported by Semafor, Trump has "personally pressed" studio leadership for another sequel, advocating a return to the “distinct action movies and comedies” of earlier decades.
Who Is in the Cast of 'Rush Hour 4'?
Paramount’s announcement confirms that Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, the original stars of the series, are expected to reprise their roles as Detectives Lee and Carter.
Both actors have previously expressed interest in returning, but Paramount has yet to officially announce the involvement of additional cast members. The studio has not confirmed whether Trump will make a cameo appearance.
What People Are Saying
Jackie Chan told Yahoo Celebrity after President Donald Trump's 2016 victory: "Just give [Trump] a chance to try to change America and change the world. He’s a businessman…I think he knows how to handle these types of things."
Entertainment writer and editor Jesse Hassenger posted on X: "Trump almost certainly 'wants' RUSH HOUR 4 to happen because Brett Ratner wants it to happen and he wants Brett Ratner to be rewarded for his upcoming Melania puff piece movie. I'd be shocked if Trump had seen more than 40% of any single RUSH HOUR movie."
What Happens Next
'Rush Hour 4' is in the early stages of production, with further casting and release details forthcoming from Paramount.
The film will be directed by Brett Ratner and distributed by Paramount for Warner Bros.
Once the cast and a release date are confirmed, the production is expected to attract significant public attention, given both its nostalgic appeal and its connection to President Trump’s cultural agenda.
Update 11/25/25, 3:20 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.