According to multiple reports, Paramount will release Rush Hour 4 on behalf of Warner Bros., taking a double-digit percentage distribution fee for handling the rollout. This unusual arrangement comes at a pivotal moment in Hollywood, as Paramount—owned by David Ellison—is aggressively pursuing a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. The collaboration represents one of the first major team-ups between the two studios since Ellison took control of Paramount earlier this year.
The Rush Hour films, directed by Brett Ratner, began in 1998 and quickly became global box office hits.
- Rush Hour (1998) grossed over $245 million worldwide.
- Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007) pushed the franchise’s total earnings to more than $850 million globally.
The films paired Jackie Chan’s martial arts brilliance with Chris Tucker’s comedic timing, creating one of the most successful action-comedy duos in cinema history.
The announcement also marks the first narrative feature for Brett Ratner since 2017, when he faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that effectively ended his Hollywood career. Ratner has remained largely absent from feature filmmaking, working instead on smaller projects and documentaries. His return to direct Rush Hour 4 is already sparking debate in the industry, given the unresolved controversies surrounding him.
Several studios reportedly passed on releasing the film, including Warner Bros.’ own New Line Cinema, which originally launched the franchise. Paramount’s decision to step in is seen as both a business opportunity and a strategic move amid its ongoing bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
The deal also comes amid reports that President Donald Trump privately encouraged Paramount’s leadership to revive the franchise, adding another layer of intrigue to the film’s comeback.
While details of the plot remain under wraps, reports confirm that Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are returning to reprise their roles as Inspector Lee and Detective Carter. The film is expected to blend the franchise’s trademark mix of martial arts action, comedic banter, and cross-cultural hijinks.
The return of Rush Hour after nearly two decades is both a nostalgic revival and a controversial comeback. With Paramount distributing and Ratner back in the director’s chair, the film is poised to reignite one of Hollywood’s most beloved action-comedy franchises—though not without scrutiny.
Paramount will distribute Brett Ratner’s Rush Hour 4 for Warner Bros., Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are set to return, and the deal represents a major Hollywood shake-up amid studio mergers and Ratner’s contentious re-entry into filmmaking.
