US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked Paramount to revive the Rush Hour franchise with a fourth instalment starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, according to sources. The move comes as part of his second-term project to reintroduce old-fashioned masculinity to Hollywood and create employment for director Brett Ratner, who helmed the first three films.
Ratner, accused of sexual assault in 2017 (allegations he denied), recently directed a $40m documentary about Melania Trump. Larry Ellison, largest shareholder of Paramount Skydance, which settled a lawsuit with Trump earlier this year, has reportedly been leaned on by the president to greenlight the project.
The Rush Hour series follows the odd-couple pairing of LAPD detective James Carter (Tucker) and Hong Kong police inspector Yan Naing Lee (Chan), blending comedy, cultural clashes, and action. Whether Trump seeks a cameo or a producing role remains unclear, but speculation suggests he may be eyeing a post-political return to show business.
Alternatively, some observers link Trump's interest to a recent meeting with New York's Democratic socialist mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, which ended amicably. The inclusive premise of a black and Asian duo working together may reflect a softened worldview, though others question whether a fourth film is needed given market forces would have produced it already if demand existed.
