Trump‘s Intervention revives ‘Rush Hour 4’ as Paramount Sale Looms
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in reviving the “Rush Hour” film franchise as part of a potential acquisition of Paramount Global, injecting a new dynamic into the ongoing bidding war for the media conglomerate. The development comes as paramount navigates first-round bids from Comcast, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Discovery, with a sale process expected to conclude by mid- to late-December.
The renewed interest in “Rush Hour 4,” a project long stalled despite efforts from Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, is tied to trump’s belief in the franchise’s enduring appeal and potential profitability, sources familiar with the matter say. This unexpected involvement adds another layer of complexity to the sale, which centers around Paramount’s valuable assets including its studio, cable networks, and streaming service.
Paramount is currently bidding for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, with a previous proposal valued at approximately $23.50 per share. This would consolidate the studio, HBO Max, and cable networks under one owner. Comcast is focused on acquiring the studio and streaming assets – Warner Bros.and HBO Max – integrating them into NBCUniversal and allowing Warner Bros.discovery to spin off CNN and TNT sports prior to deal closure. Netflix is also pursuing the film and streaming components of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The potential for Trump’s influence stems from his broader interest in media ownership and his established relationships within the entertainment industry. While the former president’s role remains unofficial, his expressed enthusiasm for “Rush Hour 4” has reportedly gained traction within Paramount’s internal discussions.
