Rush Hour 4 in the Works After Trump Push

The popular action-comedy franchise is making a comeback, but not without some controversy.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Rush Hour franchise, which blended martial arts and American comedy, is getting a fourth installment after former President Donald Trump personally requested that Paramount revive the series. The original trilogy's director, Brett Ratner, is set to return, despite facing allegations in 2017 that led him to step away from feature films. While some distributors declined to be involved due to Ratner's involvement, Paramount will distribute the film and receive a flat fee, while Warner Bros. through its New Line label will get first-dollar gross.

Why it matters

The return of the Rush Hour franchise, which was a major box office success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is noteworthy for several reasons. It highlights the continued demand for nostalgic IP, the influence of high-profile political figures in Hollywood decision-making, and the complex dynamics around rehabilitating the careers of filmmakers facing allegations of misconduct.

The details

Rush Hour 4 is officially in development, with Paramount set to distribute the sequel. According to reports, former President Donald Trump personally requested that the studio revive the franchise. Brett Ratner, the director of the first three films, will return despite facing allegations in 2017 that led him to step away from feature films. Paramount will receive a flat distribution fee and will not finance or market the film, while Warner Bros. through its New Line label that backed the original trilogy will receive first-dollar gross. Multiple distributors were approached, but some declined due to Ratner's involvement.

  • The original Rush Hour trilogy was released between 1998 and 2007.
  • Rush Hour 4 is currently in development, but does not yet have a confirmed release date.

The players

Brett Ratner

The director of the first three Rush Hour films, who is returning to helm the fourth installment despite facing allegations of misconduct in 2017 that led him to step away from feature films.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who is reported to have personally requested that Paramount revive the Rush Hour franchise.

Paramount Pictures

The studio that will distribute Rush Hour 4, receiving a flat distribution fee and not financing or marketing the film.

Warner Bros.

The studio behind the original Rush Hour trilogy through its New Line label, which will receive first-dollar gross for the fourth installment.

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What they’re saying

“Paramount aims to expand its annual theatrical output from eight releases to 15 by 2026 and 18 by 2028.”

— David Ellison, CEO, Paramount Pictures (FandomWire)

What’s next

The production timeline and release date for Rush Hour 4 remain undisclosed, but the film's development is expected to continue as Paramount works to expand its annual theatrical output.

The takeaway

The return of the Rush Hour franchise, driven by a request from former President Trump and the involvement of a director facing allegations of misconduct, highlights the complex dynamics in Hollywood decision-making and the continued demand for nostalgic IP, even if it comes with some controversy.