Is Rush Hour 4 finally happening? Here’s what we know about the release date, cast & Trump’s surprise role

After years of uncertainty, stalled talks, and studio hesitation, Rush Hour 4 is officially happening. Paramount Pictures has greenlit the long-awaited sequel starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, marking the franchise’s dramatic return nearly two decades after its last installment. But what surprised many was the unusual political twist behind the film’s revival.

Reports from The Guardian reveal that the project moved forward after an unexpected intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly lobbied Paramount’s largest shareholder, Larry Ellison, to pick up the film after years of stalled development.

The film will be directed once again by Brett Ratner, who had been sidelined from Hollywood after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement. Despite years of pushback, the franchise has resurfaced with full funding and a confirmed distribution partnership with Warner Bros.

Why Paramount Finally Said Yes to Rush Hour 4

Director Brett Ratner had spent years shopping the film to various studios without success. Concerns over his reputation, combined with changing Hollywood values, made the project a high-risk investment.

That shifted when Trump reportedly advocated for the film, connecting Ratner with Ellison, whose influence within the newly merged Paramount-Skydance entity helped secure funding and push the project into production. Paramount later approved the film and arranged distribution through Warner Bros, which originally handled the franchise under New Line Cinema.

Industry insiders, including Puck journalist Matthew Belloni, described the development as “state-controlled media at its dumbest,” suggesting the film’s revival reflects cultural and political agendas tied to Trump’s second term.

I teased this last night in What I’m Hearing but now confirmed: Paramount WILL release Rush Hour 4 after prodding from Trump on behalf of Brett Ratner. Distribution deal. Producer Tarak Ben Ammar is lining up financing. Get ready for the dumbest possible state-controlled media.

— Matthew Belloni (@MattBelloni) November 25, 2025

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What Will Rush Hour 4 Be About?

Plot details remain under wraps, but insiders expect the film to follow the comedic buddy-cop formula that made the original trilogy a global hit. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are confirmed to return as Inspector Lee and Detective Carter, respectively.

Given the original films’ massive success in China, grossing over $850 million worldwide, Paramount reportedly aims to target both U.S. and Asian markets with a nostalgia-driven sequel.

Why Did It Take So Long?

Despite Hollywood’s heavy reliance on franchise sequels, Rush Hour 4 repeatedly stalled for several reasons:

• Brett Ratner’s allegations made studios reluctant to attach the franchise to their brand.
• Chan and Tucker’s hesitation, with both actors expressing concern about script quality in past years.
• Financing difficulties, as studios questioned whether the franchise still held global appeal.

But with renewed political backing and a distribution safety net via Warner Bros, Paramount determined now is the right time.

Is There a Rush Hour 4 Release Date?

As of now, no official release date has been announced. However, with the film fully funded and moving into pre-production, industry estimates suggest:

Probable Release Window:

Late 2026 – Early 2027

Filming is expected to begin in mid-2026, positioning the movie comfortably within that timeframe.

Why This Film Matters Now

The new sequel is widely interpreted as part of Trump’s Hollywood engagement strategy, reportedly aimed at promoting “old-fashioned masculinity” in U.S. films. Trump has previously appointed action stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson as informal cultural ambassadors during his administration.

Combined with Ratner’s recent $40 million documentary on Melania Trump, Rush Hour 4’s revival has sparked significant debate over the intersection of entertainment, politics, and public image rehabilitation.

FAQ

1. Is Rush Hour 4 officially happening?

Yes. Paramount has officially confirmed Rush Hour 4 with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker returning. Funding and distribution are secured, and pre-production has begun.

2. When will Rush Hour 4 be released?

Paramount has not announced an exact date, but based on production timelines, Rush Hour 4 is expected to release between late 2026 and early 2027.

3. Why did Rush Hour 4 take so long to be made?

The film stalled due to a lack of studio support, Brett Ratner’s misconduct allegations, script quality concerns, and difficulty securing financing. Political intervention reportedly reopened the door.

4. Did Donald Trump really help revive Rush Hour 4?

Yes. Reports from The Guardian indicate that Trump personally lobbied Paramount’s majority shareholder, Larry Ellison, encouraging the studio to pick up the project.

5. Are Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker returning?

Yes. Both stars are confirmed to reprise their iconic roles as Inspector Lee and Detective Carter.

6. Who is directing Rush Hour 4?

Brett Ratner, who directed the first three films, is returning for the fourth installment despite past controversy.

7. Will Rush Hour 4 release in theaters or streaming?

Current plans point to a full theatrical release, followed by streaming distribution after its box office run.

8. Why is Brett Ratner returning despite past allegations?

Paramount approved his return following political advocacy and renewed support from industry allies. This decision has been met with significant criticism.

9. Is Rush Hour 4 part of a reboot or the original timeline?

It continues the original storyline, following Lee and Carter years after their last adventure in Rush Hour 3.

10. Will Rush Hour 4 be filmed in China?

Likely. Given the franchise’s massive box-office success in China, the production is expected to include major international filming locations.