It’s been 16 years since we last saw Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker team up as the hilarious and action-packed duo of Lee and Carter in Rush Hour 3.
Since then, fans have been clamouring for a fourth installment of the hit franchise that has grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide. But will Rush Hour 4 ever happen?
Here’s everything we know so far about the status, cast, plot, and release date of the long-awaited sequel.
The Current State of Rush Hour 4
As of 2023, Rush Hour 4 is still in the early stages of development. Jackie Chan, who plays the role of the Hong Kong detective Inspector Lee, confirmed in late 2022 that he and Chris Tucker, who plays the role of the Los Angeles detective James Carter, have been looking for a good script for the fourth film.
Jackie Chan said, “We’re looking for a good script. We’ve been talking about it for a long time. It’s not easy to write a good script. It’s not just about action and comedy. It’s about the heart and the soul of the characters.”
Chan also said that they need a new director and fresh blood for the franchise.
He said, “We need a new director. We need fresh blood. We need someone who can bring something new to the franchise.”
Jackie Chan did not reveal the name of the director, but he said that he and Tucker have been talking to the film’s director about the script.
The Return of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
One thing that is certain about Rush Hour 4 is that it would not be the same without Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.
The two stars have expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to reprise their roles as Lee and Carter, the mismatched partners who have become friends over the course of their adventures.
Tucker said, “Rush Hour 4, that’s something I definitely will probably drop in there because I love working with Jackie. He’s a great guy, a great friend, and a great actor. We have so much fun together. We have great chemistry. We just need a good story and a good script, and we’ll be ready to go.”
Chan and Tucker have been keeping in touch and maintaining their friendship over the years.
They have also been teasing the fans with hints and photos of their possible reunion on social media.
In 2017, they posted a picture of themselves holding up four fingers, sparking speculation that Rush Hour 4 was in the works.
In 2019, they appeared together at a concert in Las Vegas, where Tucker joked, “We’re working on a few things on the side. I think it’s gonna be Rush Hour 4: Face/Off 2.”
The Potential New Director and Cast
While the director and the cast of Rush Hour 4 are yet to be announced, there are some rumors and suggestions floating around.
Some fans have proposed that Justin Lin, the director of several Fast and Furious films, could be a good fit for the franchise.
Lin has experience in directing action-packed and diverse films, and he has also worked with Chan before on the 2007 film Finishing the Game.
As for the cast, some fans have expressed their hope that some of the previous characters would return, such as Lee’s love interest Isabella Molina (Roselyn Sanchez), Carter’s love interest Genevieve (Noémie Lenoir), and Lee’s cousin Hu Li (Zhang Ziyi).
However, there is also a possibility that Rush Hour 4 will introduce new characters and villains, as well as new locations and cultures, to spice up the story.
The Plot and Setting of Rush Hour 4
The plot of Rush Hour 4 is still a mystery, as the script is still being written and revised.
However, fans can expect that the film will continue the series’ legacy of blending thrilling action with hilarious comedy, as well as exploring the cultural differences and similarities between Lee and Carter.
The film might also address the ageing and retirement of the two detectives, as well as their personal and professional lives.
The setting of Rush Hour 4 is also unknown, but it could be anywhere in the world, as the previous films have taken the duo to Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, New York, Paris, and China.
Some fans have suggested that Rush Hour 4 could take place in London, Tokyo, Dubai, or even outer space.
The possibilities are endless, as long as the film delivers the same level of excitement and humour that the franchise is known for.
The Release Date and Streaming Speculations
As for the release date of Rush Hour 4, there is no official word yet. The film industry’s dynamics, especially in the wake of global events, have made release schedules more fluid.
However, the ongoing discussions and the stars’ interest in the project suggest that an announcement might be on the horizon.
Chan said, “We hope to start filming next year. We hope to finish the script by the end of this year. We hope to release the film in 2024 or 2025.”
In terms of streaming, while the previous films are available on HBO Max and Peacock in the US, the availability of the films may vary in other regions and countries.
The distribution details of Rush Hour 4 will likely be revealed closer to its release.
The film might have a theatrical release, a streaming release, or a hybrid release, depending on the market conditions and the audience preferences.
Rush Hour 4 is still a work in progress, but the signs are promising that we will soon see Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker back on the big screen as the legendary Lee and Carter.
While we don’t know much about the details of the sequel, we can expect it to deliver the same blend of action, comedy, and chemistry that made the franchise a global sensation.
Until then, we can only hope that the wait will be worth it and that Rush Hour 4 will be the ultimate comeback for this dynamic duo.
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