You Won’t Believe What Trump Just Did to Bring Back 'Rush Hour' - Is This the Comeback We Never Expected?

In an unexpected twist in Hollywood's ongoing narrative, former President Donald Trump is reportedly playing a pivotal role in reviving the iconic “Rush Hour” film franchise. According to sources from Semafor, Trump personally urged Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount, to bring back the beloved buddy-cop series, originally starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. This newfound initiative appears to align with Trump's interest in influencing pop culture.

On Tuesday, Deadline confirmed that Paramount has officially greenlit a fourth installment of the “Rush Hour” series, which will be directed by Brett Ratner and distributed in partnership with Warner Bros.. Both Chan and Tucker are set to reprise their roles, much to the delight of fans who fondly remember the original films from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

While neither Paramount nor the White House has provided immediate comments, the implications of Trump's involvement cannot be overlooked. Ellison, a long-time donor to Republican politicians since at least 2012, has recently shifted towards more conservative ideologies. The Washington Post reported on Ellison's participation in a conference call shortly after the 2020 presidential election, where discussions revolved around strategies for challenging the election results favoring President Joe Biden.

Beyond his financial contributions, Ellison's connections with Trump extend to their shared interests in media and entertainment. Ratner, the director of the upcoming film, has previously faced allegations of sexual misconduct, including accusations from actress Olivia Munn. Following these allegations, Warner Bros. severed ties with Ratner, though he continues to find avenues to work in the industry, such as directing a documentary about Melania Trump scheduled for release in January.

Despite Ellison's past as a staunch Democrat, he has become increasingly aligned with conservative politics. While he hasn’t publicly supported Trump's campaign financially, he has been involved in transition meetings, indicating a growing relationship with the former president.

In a significant strategic move, Paramount recently merged with Skydance after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This merger has positioned Ellison's son, David Ellison, as the CEO of Paramount, suggesting a potential influence on the company that could extend beyond mere financial interests.

Interestingly, reports have surfaced indicating that Trump had a hand in facilitating this merger. Allegations suggest that to secure FCC approval, Paramount offered to settle a lawsuit filed by Trump against CBS's “60 Minutes” and to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” However, CBS, which is owned by Paramount, has categorically denied these claims.

Trump's fixation on pop culture is well-documented. Recently, he criticized the decision to have Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026, labeling the choice as “absolutely ridiculous.” Additionally, plans are in motion for Trump to host a UFC fight at the White House next year to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary—further showcasing his intent to remain a significant figure in the entertainment space.

As the revival of “Rush Hour” takes shape, it raises questions about the blending of politics and entertainment, especially in a landscape where cultural influence can sway public sentiment. The return of Chan and Tucker to our screens not only taps into nostalgia but also signals a potential shift in how Hollywood aligns itself with political figures and movements.