Over the weekend, rumors once again began circulating that a fourth installment of the action-comedy franchise RUSH HOUR was definitely happening. It all began when comedian Chris Tucker posted a photo of he and his RUSH HOUR co-star, Jackie Chan, posing for a photo that included the duo brandishing the number "four" with their hands. It was all very exciting for about a minute, until sense kicked in and fans realized that the photo could be related to yet another empty promise.
Today, Chan took to his official website to reveal that he did not understand the words that were coming out of Tucker's mouth (so to speak). In fact, Chan says that the project is nowhere near ready, as a quality script has yet to cross his desk.
“For the last seven years, we’ve been turning down the script, turning down the script,” Chan told Power 106 Los Angeles. “Yesterday, we just agreed… the script, probably end of this month. They’re on the second draft. Next year, probably start. I hope. If Chris Tucker agrees.” He also said, “It’s not about money. It’s about time to make, otherwise… Rush Hour 4, we’re all like old men! Before we get old. I tell Chris Tucker, before we get old, please, do Rush Hour 4!”
To view Chan's full and official response to the rumor, you can visit his website for all the details.
I'll tell you this much, should RUSH HOUR 4 be given the greenlight, the original trilogy's director Brett Ratner is likely to not be involved. In the time since Ratner helped to create the odd couple buddy-comedy, the RED DRAGON and X-MEN 3: THE LAST STAND filmmaker has been brought up on multiple charges of sexual misconduct. As a result of the allegations, Ratner parted ways with Warner Bros., the parent company behind RUSH HOUR's New Line Cinema home. It's also worth noting that if RUSH HOUR 4 were to stick to its original comedic formula, that the film could have trouble connecting with today's moviegoers, whose tolerance level for racially-charged humor has waned in recent years. Perhaps that's why the script is taking so long to complete?
Who would you like to see at the helm of a RUSH HOUR sequel? Do you think Chan and Tucker are too old for this shit, or will it be a laugh riot to see Lee and Carter back up on the screen for another go?