‘Rush Hour 4’ is Back in Production, Maybe Thanks to Trump

At the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017, production for Rush Hour 4 came to a halt after six women accused director Brett Ratner of sexual harassment. Now, the fourth installment of the Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker-starred buddy cop franchise is set for release, with Ratner returning at its helm and Paramount Pictures distributing — reportedly at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Deadline reports that Rush Hour 4 was shopped around again as early as August but was passed on by several studios, including Warner Bros., which released the franchise’s previous movies. Trump had reportedly pressed Paramount to take the reins for distribution. Paramount is also one of the few other media giants bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery.

While plot, casting details, and release dates have yet to be announced, Chan and Tucker are already set to return as Chief Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter, roles they first took on in 1998 with Rush Hour and reprised in the 2001 and 2007 sequels.

Pie Gonzaga

Culture Writer

Pie Gonzaga is the Culture Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines, primarily covering film, TV, food, and internet culture.

Gonzaga has worked on a range of stories for print and digital formats, from an interview with Cardinal Ambo David to features on queer party organizers such as CHURCH and Club Euphoria. Her work as the magazine’s former State of Affairs Writer includes news updates on pressing issues like the flood control scandal and the missing sabungeros, and covering rallies. Under Culture, she’s written episode recaps for hit shows, film reviews, and features on restaurants and the people who run them.

Before working with Rolling Stone Philippines, she contributed lifestyle and entertainment stories for a digital news platform.

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• In This Article:
• Brett Ratner
• Rush Hour