Rush Hour 4 Confirmed: Paramount to Distribute Chan and Tucker Reunion

The Rush Hour franchise is officially returning. Paramount Pictures will distribute Rush Hour 4 worldwide. Director Brett Ratner is confirmed to return, along with stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

This announcement ends years of speculation about a potential sequel. The project is now officially in active development as of late November 2025. The deal signals a major comeback for the beloved action-comedy series.

Deal Structure and Key Players Finalized

Paramount secured theatrical distribution rights for the new film. The studio will handle the global release on a flat-fee basis. This arrangement means the studio distributes the film but does not finance its production.

According to Deadline, this deal structure is common for projects with independent funding. It allows major studios to participate in established franchises with reduced financial risk. The original trilogy grossed over $840 million globally, making it a valuable property.

Brett Ratner returns to direct his first narrative film in over a decade. He directed all three previous Rush Hour films. His involvement ensures continuity with the original series’ tone and style.

Political Connections Accelerate Development

Industry reports reveal an unusual path to this greenlight. Sources indicate former President Donald Trump encouraged billionaire Larry Ellison to support revival talks. This high-level backing helped move the project forward after years of stalled negotiations.

According to Variety, this political connection provided the momentum needed to secure studio distribution. Both Chan and Tucker had expressed interest in returning for years. Finding the right financial and distribution partners proved challenging until recently.

The original Rush Hour debuted in 1998 and spawned two sequels. The last installment, Rush Hour 3, released in 2007. Fans have eagerly awaited a fourth film for nearly two decades.

Market Viability and Franchise Legacy

The Rush Hour series remains one of the most successful buddy cop franchises in history. Its unique blend of martial arts action and comedy crossed cultural boundaries. The chemistry between Chan and Tucker became the franchise’s signature element.

Chris Tucker confirmed the project’s status during a recent ESPN podcast appearance. He stated the film is genuinely moving forward after years of false starts. This marks his return to major studio films after focusing on stand-up comedy and smaller roles.

Jackie Chan continues his global film career while expanding his philanthropic work. His participation ensures the film’s action sequences will maintain the franchise’s physical comedy standards. Both stars remain popular with international audiences.

The confirmed return of Chan, Tucker, and Ratner for Rush Hour 4 represents one of the most anticipated franchise revivals in recent memory. This reunion promises to deliver the action and comedy that made the original films international successes.

Thought you’d like to know

When will Rush Hour 4 be released?

No official release date has been announced. Production is in early development stages. The film will likely target a 2026 or 2027 theatrical release.

Who is financing the production?

The film has independent backing, with Paramount handling distribution only. Specific financial partners haven’t been officially disclosed to the public.

Will there be new cast members joining?

No supporting cast announcements have been made yet. The core team of Chan, Tucker, and Ratner is confirmed to return for the sequel.

What is the film’s expected budget?

Budget details remain confidential. The previous installment cost approximately $140 million to produce over fifteen years ago.

Why did it take so long to greenlight this sequel?

Scheduling conflicts and script development challenges caused delays. Finding the right financial structure also took considerable time and negotiation.