LIZZY ANJORIN BREAKS SILENCE AMID HER ALLEGED ARREST. (PHOTO)
President Donald Trump played a key role in reviving Paramount Skydance’s “Rush Hour” franchise, two decades after the last film, multiple reports indicate. Paramount has secured financing for “Rush Hour 4” and reached a distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, which previously owned the franchise under its New Line banner. The project had been stalled for years as studios were reluctant to work with director Brett Ratner following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, which he has denied and was never charged with.
According to reports, Paramount’s decision to move forward came after Trump reportedly advocated on Ratner’s behalf. Ratner, who will direct the new film, was also tapped in late 2024 to direct a documentary about first lady Melania Trump for Amazon Prime, reportedly in a $40 million deal. Under the “Rush Hour 4” arrangement, Paramount will collect a flat distribution fee for theatrical release, while Warner Bros. will take a share of box-office receipts before financiers recoup costs. The original “Rush Hour” trilogy earned over $850 million globally and made stars of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Both actors are expected to return for the new installment, though Chan, now 71, has reduced his U.S. studio work, and Tucker has not led a major film since 2007.
The revival comes as Paramount Skydance plans to expand production, aiming for 15 films in 2026 and up to 18 by 2028, amid a major industry shake-up. Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix have all submitted bids for Warner Bros., which holds major franchises including DC and Harry Potter. Paramount’s offer, valued at around $23.50 per share, would acquire Warner Bros., HBO Max, and cable networks under one owner. Comcast and Netflix are also interested in Warner Bros.’ film and streaming assets, while Warner Bros. Discovery hopes to complete its sale process by mid- to late-December. Trump’s involvement in Hollywood has drawn scrutiny, as he has encouraged allies like Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson as cultural emissaries and promoted what he calls “classical masculinity” in studio filmmaking.
Comments
Post a Comment