Will There Be A ‘Rush Hour 4’? 2018 Movie Update

Time really does just rush on by. It’s been 20 years since “Rush Hour” released to theaters on Sept. 18, 1998. The decade after the original came out, viewers were treated to two sequels, but that’s not enough. The stars of the franchise, Jackie Chan (Lee) and Chris Tucker (Carter), are ready to give fans a “Rush Hour 4.”

The franchise follows the comedic adventures of LAPD detective Carter and Hong Kong Inspector Lee as they work together to use their skills, partnership and humor to solve dangerous cases. The first film grossed about $244 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, while 2001’s “Rush Hour 2” did a whopping $347 million and 2007’s “Rush Hour 3” made $258 million.

This gives the studio, New Line Cinemas, which is owned by Warner Bros., and the cast millions of reasons to want to do another sequel. For the past year, Chan and Tucker have been advocating for a “Rush Hour 4” and opening up about where the movie is in the production process.

Tucker confirmed, on ESPN’s podcast “The Plug” in February, that the sequel movie’s happening, saying that “this is going to be the one, the rush of all rushes.” He shared that Chan’s ready to do the movie, and they both want to do it “so that people won’t ever forget this.”

These thoughts about the fourth movie in the franchise arrived a few months after Chan spoke out about the project being contingent on whether or not Tucker would be involved.

“For the last seven years, we’ve been turning down the script, turning down the script,” Chan told Power 106 in October 2017. “Yesterday, we just agreed.”

Chan continued: “The script. probably at the end of this month, will have a second draft and next year, [we’ll] probably start.”

Well, “if Chris Tucker agrees,” the “Shanghai Noon” actor said at the time. He didn’t think money would be why Tucker wouldn’t be able to do the movie, but because of the time commitment. That said, Chan really hoped his co-star would get on board quickly because if he didn’t, they would just be “old men” in the movie.

“I tell Chris Tucker, ‘Before we get old, please do ‘Rush Hour 4,’’” he said.

His words must’ve come through loud and clear because Tucker’s interview made it apparent that he’s now on board with the plans. This wasn’t the first time he’s spoken about it, though. In 2012, he told Vulture that the actors were “looking into it” and were “trying to get it going.” It’s been six years since that announcement, but it seems like it’s all starting to move forward.

While this possible sequel would likely include both Chan and Tucker, there’s one original member of the franchise team that likely would not be part of the project. Brett Ratner, who was accused of sexual harassment or misconduct by six women in November 2017, directed the first three movies. And although sources told The Hollywood Reporter he’d been telling people he would direct “Rush Hour 4,” Warner Bros. sources said that probably won’t happen.

Until more details emerge about the cast, crew and whether or not the movie’s officially been given the green light, fans can always watch the first three “Rush Hour” movies online on sites like YouTube and Amazon Prime.