Rush Hour 4 Stalls Amid Reported Salary Cuts for Returning Stars

Well, look who's (maybe) back. After almost two decades, there’s actual movement on 'Rush Hour 4'—and yes, it’s the Jackie Chan/Chris Tucker duo we’re talking about, not some reboot with TikTok stars (at least for now). But don't get your hopes up for a smooth ride: this thing is already a circus.

Where Things Stand Right Now

Paramount Pictures is now driving the bus for 'Rush Hour 4', with surprisingly big momentum thanks to a mix of studio execs and one jaw-droppingly famous fan (more on that soon). After ages of false starts and rumors, Paramount could have the movie ready for pre-production in early 2026. Honestly, that’s the most real update there’s been in years.

But here’s where it gets messy: the studio wants to bring back Brett Ratner, the guy who directed the original trilogy. If that name makes you wince, you probably remember the whole avalanche of sexual harassment and misconduct allegations that basically got him ejected from Hollywood in 2017. Since then, he’s only directed one project—a documentary about Melania Trump (I swear I’m not making that up)—and somehow Paramount is fine with his return for 'Rush Hour 4'.

The Money Drama: Tucker & Chan

Ratner drama aside, there’s another big elephant in the room: actually landing the franchise’s two stars. According to Matthew Belloni over at Puck, the producers have not signed deals with Chris Tucker or Jackie Chan yet. And it’s not hard to see why—the reportedly offered salaries are kind of insulting considering these two basically are the franchise.

• Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker have both been offered $8 million each to return.
• For perspective: Chan scored about $20 million for 'Rush Hour 3' back in 2007. Tucker reportedly got even more than that.
• This new offer is less than half what they made last time—so you can understand if they’re in no rush to sign.

Now, all this is unfolding while Paramount is in the middle of a huge corporate merger—yep, they're joining forces with Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal that's apparently worth almost $111 billion. No big deal, right?

You’d think executives would want some smooth-sailing, easy wins. Instead, they're plowing ahead with a controversial director and lowballing the actors who made these movies, well, worth seeing. Worth pointing out: Brett Ratner is still denying all the accusations, but that’s clearly not enough for lots of folks in Hollywood who’d rather he stay in retirement.

There’s Always a Wild Card

So how did this thing gain traction anyway? Enter Donald Trump, who, apparently, is a diehard Rush Hour fan and also happens to be buddies with the Paramount Skydance CEO, David Ellison. Trump has been very vocal in pushing for this sequel to happen. Not an everyday piece of Hollywood trivia.

Here's what the buzz sounds like behind the scenes:

'Rush Hour 4 is getting strong backing thanks to some powerful friends and a real hunger for more Lee and Carter. But the only way this moves forward is if Tucker and Chan get paid what they're worth.'

That sums it up: until Paramount stops pinching pennies, this movie’s start date is anyone’s guess. They were hoping to start filming in Fall 2026, but if the money drama drags on, who knows when (or if) cameras actually roll.

Bottom line: 'Rush Hour 4' is closer than it’s been in ages, but don’t be shocked if negotiations drag out for months. I wouldn’t bet the house on seeing Lee and Carter back together before 2027, if ever. Stay tuned for more sequel chaos—I have a feeling we’re just getting started.