In an unexpected move that bridges politics and entertainment, Donald Trump is reportedly pushing to revive the beloved Rush Hour franchise. The former US president has allegedly asked Paramount, through its major shareholder Larry Ellison, to greenlight a fourth instalment of the popular buddy-cop series.
A Presidential Passion Project
Sources indicate that a new Rush Hour film forms a central part of Trump's cultural vision for a potential second term. The president apparently sees the project as an opportunity to reintroduce traditional masculinity to Hollywood while creating employment opportunities. This includes work for director Brett Ratner, who helmed the original trilogy but faced sexual assault allegations in 2017, which he denied.
The timing coincides with Ratner's recent $40 million documentary about Melania Trump, described by insiders as 'soft-hitting'. The connection raises questions about the nature of Trump's involvement and whether he might seek an acting role in the potential production.
The Rush Hour Legacy
The original Rush Hour films, launched in 1998, paired Chris Tucker's fast-talking LAPD detective James Carter with Jackie Chan's Hong Kong Police Force inspector Yan Naing Lee. The franchise became known for its cross-cultural comedy, explosive action sequences, and the undeniable chemistry between its two leads.
Market forces haven't naturally produced a fourth film despite the series' popularity, leading many to question whether the world truly wants or needs another instalment. The concept relies heavily on fish-out-of-water humour and broad cultural stereotypes that might appear dated to modern audiences.
Broader Political Implications
Trump's sudden interest in the inclusive pairing of a Black American and Asian protagonist comes after his surprisingly cordial meeting with New York's Democratic socialist mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Observers speculate whether this signals a softening in the president's worldview or simply strategic positioning.
The potential revival raises numerous questions about Trump's post-political ambitions. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger before him, could the president be planning a return to entertainment? The answer remains unclear, but the Rush Hour 4 proposition suggests Hollywood might remain in Trump's future plans regardless of political outcomes.
