Rush Hour 4 Starts Production; Paramount to Handle Release
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reunite as Rush Hour 4 enters production, with Paramount distributing on Warner Bros.' behalf for a share of the box office. Plot details remain under wraps.
Rush Hour 4 has moved into production, reuniting Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker for another high-energy adventure. Paramount Pictures is overseeing the project, while distribution will be handled on Warner Bros.' behalf by Paramount in exchange for a portion of the gross. This arrangement marks a notable shift in how the franchise is produced and financed.
Production details
Director Brett Ratner, who guided the earlier installments, is back at the helm. Earlier in the process, several studios declined to proceed with the sequel. Notably, Warner Bros. New Line, which helped launch the original films in partnership with Chan and Tucker, was among the studios that stepped back.
Distribution and industry context
Under the new setup, Paramount will distribute the film on Warner Bros.'s behalf, sharing box-office revenue. This development comes amid broader industry activity: Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison, has been a key player in the ongoing discussions about Warner Bros. Discovery's ownership and future direction.
Deadline confirms that Chan and Tucker will return for Rush Hour 4. Earlier reports indicated that New Line had allowed the project to move to other studios, with Tarak Ben Ammar of Eagle Pictures collaborating with producer Arthur Sarkissian on the project.
At this stage, there are no official details about the plot or a firm release date.
Expert comment
Expert comment: Industry observers say the deal showcases a flexible, revenue-sharing approach to high-profile IP, potentially unlocking new collaboration paths for major franchises. The involvement of Eagle Pictures hints at a wider international strategy to broaden the film's reach.
Summary
Summary: Rush Hour 4 is officially in production, with Paramount producing and handling distribution for Warner Bros. The return of Chan and Tucker signals strong franchise momentum, while the cross-studio rights arrangement points to evolving industry partnerships amid ongoing media consolidation. No plot details or release date have been announced yet.
Key insight: The Rush Hour 4 deal illustrates a strategic, revenue-sharing model that could redefine how major studios collaborate on sequels and global releases.