Studios Shying Away from ‘Rush Hour 4’ Due to Controversial Director Still Attached

Several studios have reportedly been approached about bringing the next installment of the Rush Hour franchise to the big screen. However, the project faces a significant hurdle due to its connection with Brett Ratner, who directed the previous films in the series. In July, Lionsgate executives considered moving forward with Rush Hour 4 during a routine greenlight meeting. While the idea of a new chapter in the popular action comedy franchise might seem appealing, it comes with complications.

The involvement of Brett Ratner, who is rumored to be tied to the project as both a potential director and producer, according to a source, has caused hesitation among studios, as reported by THR. Ratner, who hasn’t directed a film since 2017, was the subject of multiple sexual misconduct and harassment allegations. Although he vehemently denied these claims and no formal charges were filed, the controversy led to him being dropped by his agency and effectively sidelined from Hollywood. As a result, studios are wary of moving forward with Rush Hour 4 if it means working with Ratner, complicating the film’s production prospects.

The Hollywood Reporter also reports that Warner Bros., which has long distributed the Rush Hour films through its New Line Cinema division, previously granted licensing rights for Rush Hour 4 to other studios. The decision to license the project elsewhere was influenced by ongoing controversies surrounding Brett Ratner. Despite the opportunity to take on the project, major studios like Paramount and Sony have opted not to move forward after learning that Ratner would be attached to the film.

Ratner enjoyed a successful career as a music video director and studio filmmaker throughout the ’90s and 2000s. He gained widespread recognition with the release of the first Rush Hour film in 1998 and continued to direct the subsequent two installments, which together grossed over $500 million at the domestic box office. However, Ratner’s career came to a halt after he faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct from several women, including Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn. These accusations led to a significant backlash, causing many in the industry to distance themselves from him.

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, the iconic stars of the Rush Hour franchise, have been mentioned as potential participants in the new installment. However, a source close to the actors has clarified that their involvement is not yet confirmed. Recently, both Chan and Tucker have expressed their eagerness to return for another Rush Hour film, but nothing has been officially finalized.

The Rush Hour franchise kicked off in 1998 and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to the brilliant pairing of Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. The movies feature LAPD detective James Carter (Tucker) and Hong Kong Chief Inspector Lee (Chan) teaming up to fight crime around the globe. Their blend of comedy and action-packed scenes made the series a hit, cementing its place as a beloved action-comedy classic.

We’ll keep you updated on any new developments with Rush Hour 4. Meanwhile, you can stream the Rush Hour films on Netflix in the UK or rent them on digital platforms in the US.

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