Hollywood is buzzing with one of the most unusual development stories in recent memory. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly contacted Paramount Global owner Larry Ellison to urge the studio to move forward with a fourth installment of the Rush Hour franchise. This request comes with a controversial twist that has industry executives scrambling to weigh political favors against public relations risks.
A Presidential Push for Action Comedy
The conversation between Donald Trump and Larry Ellison has turned a dormant movie project into a major headline. Sources close to the situation reveal that Trump specifically advocated for the return of original director Brett Ratner. Trump reportedly believes the franchise needs Ratner’s touch to succeed in both the American and Chinese markets.
This request is not random. Donald Trump and Brett Ratner have a history of professional interaction that dates back over a decade. Ratner filmed portions of the movie Tower Heist at Trump properties and recently directed a documentary about Melania Trump. This personal connection appears to be the driving force behind Trump’s lobbying effort.
For Paramount Global, this puts the leadership in a very difficult position. Larry Ellison, whose Skydance Media recently took control of the studio, is a known donor and supporter of Trump. However, running a major Hollywood studio requires navigating complex social and cultural currents. Executives are now trying to figure out how to respect a request from the incoming President without alienating audiences or their own employees.
The studio has not officially commented on the conversation. Yet, insiders suggest that the pressure is real and tangible. The idea that a political figure would get involved in the hiring decisions of a summer blockbuster is almost unheard of in modern entertainment history.
presidential phone on desk with movie script
The Brett Ratner Controversy and Risk
The biggest hurdle to granting this request is the involvement of Brett Ratner himself. Ratner has been effectively exiled from Hollywood since 2017 following serious allegations of sexual misconduct.
During the height of the #MeToo movement, multiple women came forward with accusations against the director. These claims ranged from sexual harassment to assault. Ratner has denied all allegations and has not been charged with a crime. However, major studios including Warner Bros. cut ties with him immediately after the reports surfaced.
Bringing Ratner back to direct a tentpole franchise would be a massive public relations gamble for Paramount. The studio would likely face immediate backlash from advocacy groups and the general public. Talent agencies might also hesitate to let their stars work with a director who carries such significant baggage.
Paramount executives had previously considered Ratner a “nonstarter” for any future projects. The industry consensus was that his time as a top-tier director had passed. Now, the studio must decide if political loyalty to Larry Ellison’s ally is worth the potential reputational damage.
Can Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker Return
Beyond the director drama, there is the question of the stars themselves. A Rush Hour movie is impossible without the chemistry of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Both actors have teased the possibility of a sequel for years, but nothing concrete has ever materialized.
Jackie Chan is now over 70 years old. His style of action comedy relies heavily on physical stunts that become much harder with age. While he remains a global icon, a new film would require a script that accommodates his current physical capabilities.
Chris Tucker is notoriously selective about his projects. He stopped making movies frequently after the original trilogy concluded. Tucker has stated in interviews that he would only return if the script was perfect.
The box office history of the franchise is the main reason this conversation is even happening. The previous three films were massive financial hits.
Here is a look at the global box office performance of the franchise:
| Movie Title | Release Year | Global Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| Rush Hour | 1998 | $244 Million |
| Rush Hour 2 | 2001 | $347 Million |
| Rush Hour 3 | 2007 | $258 Million |
Trump argues that a fourth film could dominate the box office again, particularly in China. This is a valid business point. Hollywood has struggled to connect with Chinese audiences in recent years. A franchise starring Jackie Chan has a built-in advantage in that massive market.
Hollywood Ethics Against Political Pressure
This situation highlights a growing tension between business, politics, and ethics in the entertainment world. If Paramount greenlights this project with Ratner attached, it sets a precedent that political connections can override ethical concerns.
Many employees at Paramount and Skydance are likely watching these developments with concern. The entertainment industry prides itself on progressive values and accountability. Reversing a decision on a figure like Ratner due to pressure from the White House could damage morale internally.
There is also the question of creative control. Successful movies usually come from a director’s vision or a producer’s passion. Forcing a project into existence to satisfy a political favor rarely results in a high-quality film.
Critics are already voicing their opinions on social media. They argue that the studio should focus on fresh ideas rather than reviving old franchises with problematic figures. The risk is that the controversy will overshadow the movie itself before a single frame is shot.
Paramount might try to find a middle ground. They could approve the budget for Rush Hour 4 but insist on a different director. This would satisfy the request to revive the brand while avoiding the direct fallout of hiring Ratner. Whether Trump or Ellison would accept such a compromise remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The potential revival of Rush Hour 4 has transformed from a nostalgic wish into a high-stakes corporate dilemma. Paramount Global sits at the center of a storm involving a legendary comedy duo, a disgraced director, and the President-elect of the United States. The decision Larry Ellison makes in the coming weeks will signal whether Hollywood is ready to welcome back controversial figures in exchange for political goodwill. It is a storyline filled with as much tension and drama as any movie the studio has released this year.
What do you think about this potential sequel? Should Paramount separate the art from the artist, or is this a step backward for the industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below and tag your friends using #RushHour4 to join the conversation on social media.
