Rush Hour 4 has spent years stuck in development limbo, but recent remarks from Jackie Chan suggest the film isn’t entirely off the table, though its future remains clouded with uncertainty.
The project was first officially confirmed back in 2022 but updates have been few and far between.
While promoting the release of Karate Kid: Legends in North American theaters this weekend, Chan indicated that he still wants to make the film but he attributes the delays to the script, director, and studio.
“I don’t know. Ask the director, ask the studio, ask the writer. Hurry up! Otherwise, Chris Tucker and me [will be] 100 years old. We’ll be old men doing Rush Hour,” he said.
Chris Tucker, known for his role as Detective James Carter, has repeatedly shown enthusiasm about returning for Rush Hour 4. In a 2023 interview with Variety, he hinted at his involvement, stating he’s all in, mainly because he loves teaming up with Jackie Chan.
But time is ticking, as Chan and Tucker aren't exactly spring chickens. Chan just recently turned 71, while Tucker will turn 54 in August.
Brett Ratner, director of the first three Rush Hour films, has been absent from Hollywood since 2018 after facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. His return to the franchise appears highly unlikely. Additionally, it's unclear what contractual obligations might still tie him to a potential fourth film. These unresolved legal or rights issues could be a key reason behind the continued delays for Rush Hour 4.
In short, while Rush Hour 4 is in development, it has yet to receive an official green light as there's no confirmed director or production timeline in place.
Tucker is also currently being wooed by Ice Cube to return for another Friday movie. Chan has also stated that his next project after Legends could potentially be New Police Story 2 or a third Shanghai Noon film with Owen Wilson.
Still, both Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker have openly expressed their excitement about reuniting for another installment. The script is said to be in active development, but major hurdles remain, particularly finding a new director and crafting a screenplay that meets everyone’s expectations.
On the other hand, if Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are still making Bad Boys films at 60 and 56 (the duo is rumored to be in talks for a fifth installment), respectively, anything is possible.