Rush Hour 4 Joins the $100 Million Club: A Budget Breaker with a Side of Saudi Sponsorship

It seems our old pals Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are back—and this time, they’re not just looking to save the world from international criminals but also eyeing a $100 million budget. That’s right, folks! Rush Hour 4 is gearing up to be the most lavishly funded slapstick adventure in cinematic history.

Thanks to some top-notch intel from Puck’s Kim Masters, we now know that the film will cost more to make than your average small country’s GDP. Sources reveal that a handsome chunk of change for this endeavor comes courtesy of our friends in Saudi Arabia. Who knew the oil-rich kingdom had ventured beyond desert dunes and into the realm of Hollywood sequels? Perhaps they believe a buddy cop flick is the antidote to global warming.

Director Brett Ratner, known for his subtle touch with blockbusters, confirmed this staggering budget in classic cryptic fashion. A delightful text read, “The budget is over 100m.” No kidding, Brett! With that kind of cash, I hope we see some stunt choreography that puts circus acrobats to shame. Maybe they’ll even include a cameo by a falcon—because why not?

Now, if you think this partnership is just casual, think again. Paramount is set to distribute the film, taking a tidy double-digit cut—because what’s better than making a movie that costs an arm and a leg? Maybe making sure you get a nice, juicy percentage of that leg. This cross-studio collaboration is like watching two heavyweight boxers hug it out while still jabbing at each other with passive-aggressive budget negotiations.

The production’s journey has been longer than your average Thanksgiving dinner. Ratner tried pitching it around, turning every studio’s cold shoulder into a frosty reception. It was only when former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly gave David Ellison the green light that we got to this point. Who knew the fate of a buddy cop comedy hinged on a few tweets and some questionable political maneuvering? Talk about a plot twist!

In a surprising pivot, Ratner was busy with a $40 million Melania Trump documentary—because what’s better than a documentary about former First Ladies? A documentary that leads to a $100 million blockbuster, of course! With directing credits that include the “hilarious” 2011 movie Tower Heist, Ratner is clearly on a roll. Or is it just a downward spiral? The lines are blurred, much like the plot of a Rush Hour film.

The original Rush Hour was a global sensation, raking in $244 million while expertly mixing kung fu with comedy. With its inflated budget, Rush Hour 4 isn’t just looking to settle for a revamp; it aims to redefine how we view both action movies and fiscal irresponsibility. So fasten your seatbelts, folks! This sequel promises the thrill of absurd expenditures and the timeless comedy of cops who can barely keep their wallets in check!