Brett Ratner’s New Sequel Sparks Studio Bidding War

In July, Lionsgate executives convened for a routine greenlight meeting, but the agenda differed from the norm. The focus was on Rush Hour 4, the much-discussed next chapter in the action comedy franchise. While the idea may seem appealing in theory for Lionsgate, a studio keen on expanding its portfolio with successful franchises alongside the John Wick series, there was a major obstacle looming. The potential involvement of Brett Ratner, the franchise’s filmmaker, raised concerns. Ratner, accused of sexual misconduct and harassment in 2017, had not worked in Hollywood for seven years. Despite denying the allegations and not facing charges, Ratner remained a controversial figure. His supposed role as director and producer of Rush Hour 4 further complicated matters.

Years back, Warner Bros., the distributor of the Rush Hour films, allowed Rush Hour 4 to be licensed to Tarak Ben Ammar under his Eagle Pictures banner. While surprising, given the franchise’s success, this move opened the door for Ben Ammar to pursue the project with potential partners. Ratner’s persistent efforts to direct the fourth film had met resistance from other studios, indicating his tainted reputation. The return of franchise stars Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan remained uncertain, despite their expressed interest in reprising their roles.

Ratner’s once flourishing career faced a setback in 2017 when multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, sparking controversy in an industry moving towards accountability and inclusivity. Amidst a changing Hollywood landscape, where established IP is leveraged for nostalgia and profit, the prospect of Rush Hour 4 hinges on securing distribution partnerships and navigating ethical considerations amidst commercial interests.