Paramount is finalizing a distribution agreement for Rush Hour 4, marking Brett Ratner’s return to major studio filmmaking after sexual misconduct allegations in 2017. The studio would handle distribution and receive fees but not finance the Warner Bros. project. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are set to return. Ratner directed the original trilogy, which earned over $500 million domestically. Six women accused him of sexual misconduct in a 2017 Los Angeles Times report, including Natasha Henstridge who alleged forced oral sex, and Olivia Munn who claimed the director masturbated in front of her. Ratner has denied wrongdoing. President Trump reportedly pressured Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, who runs Paramount’s owner, to revive the franchise. Ratner also directed a Melania Trump documentary (acquired by Amazon) as his first project since the allegations surfaced. (Story URL)
