The green light has finally been given for a fourth installment in the beloved *Rush Hour* franchise, a sequel many believed would never materialize. The decision, however, wasn’t solely driven by box office potential or fan demand – a surprising catalyst emerged from the highest levels of government.
Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump actively encouraged the revival of the buddy-cop series, a personal favorite. Leveraging a close relationship with David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance and son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, the former president reportedly applied pressure to approve the project.
The result? *Rush Hour 4* is officially in development. While details regarding a release date and production timeline remain scarce, insiders suggest the original creative team is poised to return, igniting nostalgia for fans of the iconic series.
This includes the dynamic duo, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, alongside director Brett Ratner. Ratner’s involvement is particularly noteworthy, given his career faced significant setbacks following allegations during the #MeToo movement.
Trump’s influence appears to have played a role in Ratner’s resurgence, with the director now attached to multiple projects. This comeback is unfolding as *Rush Hour* prepares to return to the big screen after a two-decade hiatus.
The original *Rush Hour* trilogy concluded in 2007, leaving a void for action-comedy enthusiasts. A 2027 release seems plausible, contingent on the speed of production, promising a thrilling reunion for audiences.
The film’s distribution will be a collaborative effort between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, an intriguing partnership considering Ellison’s ongoing pursuit to acquire the latter. This alliance adds another layer of complexity to an already captivating story.
Ellison’s ambitions extend beyond film distribution; Paramount Skydance has submitted a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s entire business, including its cable networks like CNN. This move signals a potential overhaul of the media landscape.
The White House reportedly supports Ellison’s vision for CNN, potentially mirroring the changes implemented at CBS News earlier this year with the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. This suggests a significant shift in editorial direction could be on the horizon.
Competing bids from Netflix and Comcast face not only financial hurdles but also apparent disapproval from Trump and potential regulatory roadblocks, further solidifying Paramount Skydance’s position as the frontrunner in the acquisition race.
The merger between Paramount and Skydance, finalized in August after approval from the Federal Communications Commission, laid the groundwork for an ambitious expansion of film production. The newly formed company initially aimed for eight films annually.
However, projections now indicate a dramatic increase in output, with expectations to more than double that number by 2027. *Rush Hour 4* will be a key component of this expanded film slate, signaling a new era for the studio.
While Paramount Skydance remains officially tight-lipped regarding distribution plans, multiple sources have confirmed the project’s forward momentum, promising fans a long-awaited return to the world of Lee and Carter.
