Major new developments have emerged regarding the long-anticipated fourth installment of the popular Rush Hour franchise. The project, which has been in discussion for years, is now confirmed to have a massive production budget well exceeding $100 million.
Massive Budget and Surprising Financial Backers
According to a detailed report by Kim Masters of Puck News, the film's substantial cost has been verified. The information came from conversations with industry insiders and direct communication with the movie's director, Brett Ratner. Ratner himself confirmed the scale in a text message, simply stating, “The budget is over 100m.”
A significant portion of this hefty financing is reportedly coming from Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has rapidly grown into a major force in global entertainment investment. This move is part of a larger pattern, as Saudi interests are also supporting David Ellison's Skydance bid for Paramount, which is linked to acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery.
A Unique Studio Partnership and Political Push
The production structure involves an unusual collaboration between two major Hollywood studios. While Warner Bros. is involved, Paramount Pictures is expected to manage the distribution. For this service, Paramount will receive a fee reported to be in the double-digit percentage range.
The journey to get this film made has been long and complex. Director Brett Ratner previously pitched the sequel to multiple studios, with stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker both on board to reprise their iconic roles. However, no studio agreed to move forward until a surprising intervention. Reports indicate that former U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged David Ellison to finally greenlight the project, providing the crucial final push.
Franchise Legacy and Future Impact
The original Rush Hour film was a global box office sensation, earning $244 million worldwide and launching a successful series that masterfully mixed action, martial arts, and comedy. Director Brett Ratner's recent work includes a $40 million documentary about Melania Trump for Amazon/MGM.
With its confirmed nine-figure budget, high-profile returning cast, and novel financing and distribution model, Rush Hour 4 is positioning itself as one of the most notable franchise revivals currently underway in Hollywood. The involvement of Saudi funding highlights the shifting landscape of movie financing on a global scale.
