1. What is Rush Hour and why does Trump want it back?

Rush Hour is a series of buddy-cop movies starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The first film released in 1998 and had sequels in 2001 and 2007. Trump enjoys the mix of action and comedy, and he personally asked Larry Ellison to produce a new installment. This shows Trump’s interest in shaping popular culture.

2. Who is Larry Ellison and what is his role?

Larry Ellison is the second-richest person in the world and a major Trump donor. He is set to take over Paramount and possibly Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump has been giving him ideas for movies, showing influence over studio decisions. Ellison’s ownership gives Trump a way to promote his preferred films.

3. Why did Rush Hour stop being made?

The third movie in 2007 had mixed reviews, and Warner Bros. cut ties with director Brett Ratner in 2017 after sexual misconduct allegations. Ratner denied all accusations and faced no charges. Other studios avoided new Rush Hour projects if Ratner was involved, leaving the franchise dormant for years.

4. How is Brett Ratner connected to Trump now?

Ratner is returning to filmmaking through Trump’s support. Amazon paid $40 million for his documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, covering 20 days before the 2025 inauguration. Trump’s backing of figures previously “cancelled” has helped Ratner regain influence, making a new Rush Hour movie more feasible.

5. What could this mean for Hollywood?

Trump’s influence may grow because his allies now control major studios. Ellison owns Paramount and may soon acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which has a vast film library. Producers predict more action movies featuring “tough, confident heroes” and large-scale stunts. Experts warn, however, that cultural trends often move against presidents, so this influence may be temporary.