In an unprecedented move that bridges Hollywood and Washington, Rush Hour 4 has been officially confirmed following direct personal intervention from President Donald Trump. The surprising development sees the beloved action-comedy franchise resurrected after an 18-year hiatus, with the former president reportedly determined to see his favourite film series return to the big screen.
The Presidential Push for Production
According to multiple reports, President Trump made it his personal mission to ensure the fourth instalment of the Rush Hour franchise would proceed. Digital media outlet Puck revealed on X that Trump personally lobbied Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount Skydance, on behalf of director Brett Ratner.
The president, now in his second term after being re-elected last year, was apparently "hellbent on resurrecting one of his favourite film franchises", pushing for a new Rush Hour film nearly two decades after Rush Hour 3 hit cinemas in 2007. Trump's involvement reportedly intensified after filmmaker Ratner became close to the first family during the production of an upcoming documentary about First Lady Melania Trump.
Semafor reports that the president is offering creative input on potential upcoming projects, with a particular interest in seeing Rush Hour return. Citing "a person directly familiar with the conversations", the publication claimed Trump "personally pressed" Ellison to make a new film in the action-comedy series as part of a wider cultural agenda promoting high-octane action-comedy films.
Franchise Revival and Controversial Director
The original 1998 buddy comedy Rush Hour starred Jackie Chan as a disciplined Hong Kong inspector and Chris Tucker as a reckless LAPD detective forced to collaborate on the kidnapping case of an 11-year-old girl. The film spawned two sequels: Rush Hour 2 in 2001 and Rush Hour 3 in 2007, all directed by Brett Ratner.
Ratner's return to major studio filmmaking marks a significant comeback for the director, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct since 2017. These allegations previously led Warner Bros. to sever ties with him. Rush Hour 4 will represent Ratner's first feature film since 2014's Hercules, starring Dwayne Johnson, and his first project since the allegations emerged, aside from the Melania Trump documentary.
The financial structure for Rush Hour 4 reveals an unusual arrangement. According to Variety, Paramount will receive a flat distribution fee but won't be responsible for marketing or financing the film. Warner Bros., through New Line Cinema (the original studio behind Rush Hour), will receive first-dollar gross, meaning they collect a percentage of box office revenues before financiers recoup any costs.
Broader Implications and Other Trump Favourites
This isn't the first time a Rush Hour sequel has been discussed. Lead star Jackie Chan confirmed in 2022 that a script was in development, telling audiences at the Red Sea Film Festival: "We're talking about part four right now." He added that he planned to meet with the director to discuss the script further.
The revelation about Trump's involvement in Rush Hour 4 raises questions about what other films might capture the president's attention. Trump has never been shy about sharing his cinematic preferences, having famously criticised Oscar-winner Parasite for not being "American enough" while praising several other titles that could potentially see revivals.
Other films Trump has publicly admired include:
- Bloodsport - The 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme action film that Trump reportedly considers "an incredible, fantastic movie"
- Citizen Kane - Orson Welles' classic that Trump has compared to his own life and media experiences
- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - The classic western starring Clint Eastwood
- The Godfather - The iconic gangster film that Trump has quoted and listed as a must-watch
- Gone with the Wind - The 1939 romance he referenced while criticising Parasite's Oscar win
Neither the White House nor Paramount has publicly commented on the potential fourth Rush Hour film, leaving the entertainment industry and fans to speculate about what Trump's personal involvement might mean for the future of Hollywood productions and which classic franchises might receive presidential endorsement next.
