In the early 2000s, buddy police films like Rush Hour starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker were consistently popular. Both the genre boundaries and the box office records were broken by the dynamic combo. Two more films and a short-lived TV series followed the original’s success.
Even though none of the sequels were as well received as the original, audiences still showed up in droves. Although both Chan and Tucker were already established stars before joining the Rush Hour franchise, their profiles were greatly augmented by their roles in the films. Rush Hour 3 was the last film in the series, and that came out in 2002.
Since then, both the cast and the audience have been eager to know if there are plans to continue the story. There have been on-and-off whispers about a potential revitalization of the franchise, but there might finally be some substance to the speculations. Without further ado, here is all we know about Rush Hour 4 at the moment.
Is ‘Rush Hour 4’ in Development?
The film’s success was first publicly acknowledged last December at the Red Sea Film Festival. Jackie Chan acknowledged that discussions were taking on, and that he and the film’s director would be meeting that evening to chat about the script. This bodes well, considering he has previously claimed that he wouldn’t do a sequel unless he really liked the material.
Chris Tucker, who stars alongside Channing, has also made comments that seem to point to the film gaining steam. Tucker promoted his appearance in Air by talking to V-103 about his comeback to the big screen and his intentions for the future. After completing his globe tour, he plans to focus solely on his career.
Though he didn’t go into great depth, he did emphasize his enthusiasm for working with Jackie Chan and how much he was looking forward to his role in Rush Hour 4.
Although these statements demonstrate that the film’s two leading actors are now on board, the project’s development stage remains unknown due to the lack of a previously disclosed writer, director, distribution business, or studio backing.
Talks on a project like the one Chan described could go on for years, but perhaps interest is high enough that audiences won’t have to wait another 16 years to see the finished product.
Which Cast and Crew Members Are Returning For ‘Rush Hour 4’?
Among the few certainties, the return of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as the lead actors stands out. Since Jackie Chan already has over 60 producing credits to his CV, he is a logical candidate to join the team as an executive producer.
This would also allow him a bigger voice in the creative side of the picture, which is important to him given his prior comments about only wanting to do the movie if it is one he absolutely believes in. As new allies and antagonists can be introduced, the cast can expand far beyond the initial pair.
Now that our heroes have aged, there will potentially be some family members or new acquaintances who will enter into the mix as well. Brett Ratner, who directed the first three Rush Hour movies, will not be participating in this one. Since 2014, Ratner has not directed a picture, and in November 2017, seven women made disturbing allegations of s*xual harassment and assault against him.
Because of this, Warner Bros. severed connections with Ratner and cancelled their contract. One possible reason for the holdup is the search for a suitable director to lead the project, which may or may not be exactly what the franchise needs.
Despite their financial success, critics and moviegoers alike lambasted the sequels Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3 for being too similar to the original. This long-dormant franchise might benefit from hearing new perspectives.
What Will the Plot of ‘Rush Hour 4’ Be About?
The plot is unknown because neither the script nor a trailer have been made public. The film will likely strive to find a happy medium between staying true to what made the originals so beloved and modernizing the story for a new audience. The humorous chemistry between the show’s two main protagonists will undoubtedly be maintained, as it has been a defining feature of the series.
The pair has previously visited Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris, so a new overseas setting for the next part will give that essential sense of adventure while also making the film feel fresh and exciting. Throughout their history, the Rush Hour films have advocated for global unity and mutual respect.
Given the continued applicability of these messages in the modern world, a new film may choose to do so, with the added possibility of contextual relevance provided by the inclusion of modern themes and situations. When it came to action movies in the early 2000s, Rush Hour was the gold standard.
Lighthearted entertainment that was amusing without being dumb (until it wanted to be) and the fan-favorite buddy police relationship combined to transport viewers to a new universe. The franchise relies heavily on nostalgia, which isn’t always a negative thing.
In addition to referencing memorable moments and the franchise’s signature gadgets, cars, and trucks, the film is sure to be stuffed full of Easter eggs for the most devoted fans.
After 16 long years, we have reason to hope, even if we don’t know much about Rush Hour 4. So bookmark this page and stay tuned to Collider as we’ll be bringing you all the latest news on the production of Rush Hour 4, as and when they’re revealed.
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