Brett Ratner’s long-awaited return to the buddy-cop franchise finds a studio home as development moves forward

A Major Franchise Finds a New Studio

25 November 2025: The next Rush Hour sequel — directed once again by Brett Ratner — is officially being distributed by Paramount Pictures. After years of uncertainty and industry speculation, the fourth installment of the beloved action-comedy franchise has secured a major studio partner, signaling that production momentum is finally underway.

This marks the first Rush Hour film not released under New Line Cinema or Warner Bros. Paramount’s acquisition of the distribution rights has sparked renewed excitement among fans eager to see the return of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker’s iconic pairing.

What This Means for the Franchise

While plot details remain under wraps, insiders say the new film aims to honor the original trilogy’s energetic mix of martial arts, humor and mismatched-partners chaos — while updating the formula for a global audience.

Key expectations include:

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reprising their roles as Lee and Carter

A more international storyline reflecting modern action-comedy trends

Bigger stunt choreography, influenced by Chan’s recent work

Fresh comedic elements to introduce the franchise to new viewers

Ratner’s return as director solidifies the project’s ties to its classic roots, though the move has already stirred conversation given the controversies surrounding his past. Paramount has not yet issued further comment on Ratner’s involvement.

Why Paramount Backed the Project

HOLR has the latest news, and sources say Paramount sees Rush Hour 4 as a major opportunity to tap into nostalgia-driven box office success. With buddy-cop films making a comeback and international markets responding strongly to action-comedy hybrids, the studio views the franchise as “high-potential” for both theatrical and streaming performance.

Additionally, Jackie Chan’s global appeal — combined with Chris Tucker’s long-awaited return to big-screen comedy — positions the film as a major 2026 tentpole.

A Long-Awaited Reunion on the Horizon

After years of delays and uncertainty, the next Rush Hour sequel has finally found its home at Paramount. With Ratner back behind the camera and Chan and Tucker expected to reunite, fans may soon experience the high-energy chemistry that made the franchise a worldwide favorite. As production gears up, all eyes will be on how the team brings one of Hollywood’s most iconic duos back to life for a new era.