The American entertainment industry finds itself in unprecedented territory this week after President Donald Trump successfully demanded the revival of the Rush Hour franchise, raising serious questions about political influence over Hollywood's creative decisions.
Presidential Intervention Secures Sequel
In a shocking development that demonstrates Trump's growing control over media conglomerates, Paramount confirmed Rush Hour 4 is now in development following the president's direct intervention. The bizarre sequence began when Trump expressed his desire for another instalment in the Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker buddy cop series to majority Paramount Skydance shareholder Larry Ellison.
What initially appeared as another eccentric presidential whim has rapidly transformed into concrete action, with studio executives apparently feeling compelled to comply with Trump's demands. This represents a significant escalation in the relationship between the White House and Hollywood, where previously Trump's media influence primarily involved threats and outbursts rather than direct creative instructions.
Questionable Cinematic Taste Raises Concerns
The president's track record suggests his film preferences lean heavily toward mindless action over substance. Trump has famously expressed admiration for Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1988 martial arts film Bloodsport, with reports indicating he prefers to skip dialogue scenes entirely, fast-forwarding directly to the violent confrontations.
His critique of Orson Welles' masterpiece Citizen Kane further reveals his cinematic sensibilities, allegedly suggesting the protagonist should simply "get a different woman" rather than engaging with the film's complex exploration of wealth and isolation. This preference for simplistic narratives over nuanced storytelling now appears to be shaping Hollywood's production slate.
Which Franchises Might Return Next?
With the Rush Hour precedent established, industry observers are speculating about which other dormant franchises might receive presidential approval. Trump's well-documented affection for 1980s action cinema suggests several potential candidates for revival.
Shanghai Noon, Jackie Chan's 1999 western comedy with Owen Wilson, seems a likely contender despite already having a sequel in 2003's Shanghai Knights. Given Trump's preference for straightforward premises over complexity, he might demand another cowboy martial arts hybrid while ignoring the existing follow-up.
The president's January appointment of Sylvester Stallone as a special Hollywood ambassador now appears in a different light. Rather than recognising Stallone's industry influence, insiders suspect Trump may be positioning himself to demand Tango & Cash 2, the sequel to the 1989 action comedy that perfectly aligns with Trump's tastes—critically panned but commercially successful, with minimal intellectual demands.
Trump's affection for Van Damme suggests a potential "Van Dammeissance" could be forthcoming. Forgotten franchises like Timecop, Double Impact, and Universal Soldier might receive unexpected sequels, while entirely new projects could emerge to satisfy the presidential appetite for face-kicking entertainment.
The entertainment industry now faces an uncertain future where box office potential may become secondary to presidential preference, with Trump demonstrating that what he wants, he gets—regardless of artistic merit or audience demand.
