Trump reportedly Pushing for Revival of ‘Rush Hour‘ Franchise, Sparking Hollywood Speculation
WASHINGTON D.C. – Former President Donald Trump is reportedly advocating for the revival of the popular “Rush Hour” film franchise, raising questions about a potential return to Hollywood and prompting scrutiny of the project’s ties to figures facing past controversies.
Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount Skydance (formerly Paramount Global), who recently settled a lawsuit with Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview, has reportedly been approached by the former president regarding the project. A fourth “rush Hour” film is reportedly central to trump’s vision for a second term, with a stated goal of reintroducing what he views as “old-fashioned masculinity” into Hollywood.
The original “Rush Hour” films starred Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan as an unlikely duo of law enforcement officers – LAPD’s James Carter and Hong Kong Police Force’s Yan Naing Lee – navigating cultural clashes and action-packed scenarios.
The potential revival also brings renewed attention to Brett Ratner, the director of the first three “Rush Hour” films. Ratner faced multiple accusations of sexual assault in 2017, which he denied. He has recently directed a $40 million documentary about Melania Trump, described as “soft-hitting.”
The push for “Rush Hour 4” has sparked debate about the necessity of the project, given the commercial realities of franchise filmmaking. Some suggest a reboot with a new cast for streaming platforms would be a more likely outcome.
Beyond reviving the franchise,speculation is growing about Trump’s own potential involvement in the film industry. Some observers suggest he may wish to produce or even star in a future project, mirroring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s post-political career.
Interestingly, Trump recently held a cordial meeting with New York’s democratic socialist mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, a surprising development that has led to speculation about a potential shift in Trump’s worldview. Some suggest the former president may see the “Rush Hour” dynamic – a partnership between a Black American and an Asian character – as a positive depiction of inclusivity.
The potential revival of ”Rush Hour” and Trump’s involvement remain fluid, but the developments signal a renewed interest in the franchise and raise questions about the future of Hollywood under a potential second Trump administration.
