Trump Advocates for “Rush Hour 4” Revival
President Trump is actively pushing for a revival of the “Rush Hour” franchise, emphasizing the need for a new sequel. It’s been almost two decades since the last installment hit theaters in 2007.
Some speculate that, if it weren’t for the controversies surrounding the #MeToo movement, sequels like “Rush Hour 4” or even “Rush Hour 5” would already be in production. The original films, released in 1998, 2001, and 2007, were directed by Brett Ratner, whose career faced severe backlash in 2017 due to unproven misconduct allegations, which he has denied. No criminal charges were filed, but the allegations stem from decades ago. It leads one to wonder—if Ratner had been a different figure, like Bill Clinton, would things have been different regarding these sequels?
Various reports indicate that Ratner has expressed interest in directing “Rush Hour 4.” However, the studio executives who have blacklisted him seem unwilling to let him be involved.
Financially, the first “Rush Hour” was produced with a $35 million budget and grossed $245 million globally. The second installment had a $90 million budget and made $347 million, while the third film, which had a budget estimated between $125 and 180 million, earned around $258 million, showing that it might not have been as successful.
Amidst the current trend of nostalgic reboots, it seems “Rush Hour 4” could indeed find a profitable audience. After all, Jackie Chan is now 71, and Chris Tucker is 54—but that hasn’t stopped other franchises in the past.
So, why is Trump particularly invested in these sequels? Well, he has loyalty to Ratner, who recently directed a documentary about Melania Trump. This $40 million documentary, acquired by Amazon, provides insight into the first lady’s experiences during significant moments of her life, including the inauguration and navigating White House challenges.
The film “Melania” is set to release in theaters globally this January and will later be available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Additionally, Ratner filmed the comedy “Tower Heist” at Trump Tower back in 2011.
Beyond personal relationships and a desire to challenge the prevailing Hollywood narrative, Trump appears to be motivated by cultural considerations as well. The dynamic between Chan and Tucker in the original films showcased humor in cultural clashes, promoting unity and laughter. This stands in contrast to what some see as today’s divisive Hollywood climate, which often leans toward alienation and shame surrounding issues of identity.
