By Ryan Parsons | Image property of New Line Cinema
Expect another dose of Rush Hour
After all the discussions, talk, phone calls and traveling, it looked like Rush Hour 3 was on a permanent hiatus after Chris Tucker decided he was not exactly game, leaving Jackie Chan somewhat butt hurt.
However, Rush Hour 3 has still been one of the top ten on a to-do list for New Line Cinema, creating more and more negotiations. During a visit to a stand up performance of Chris Tucker a couple months back, the hilarious actor asked the audience if they wanted another Rush Hour sequel. After a return applause even he admitted that, though it seemed like negotiations had stalled, he was still contemplating the right time to jump back into the buddy-comedy.
Rush Hour 3 Set to Go
According to Variety,
New Line Cinema has finally gotten the signatures the studio needed to get Rush Hour 3 in position for production. The studio has finally signed Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, director Brett Ratner and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson to return for the sequel. Yes, before you ask, this is quite the dream team of a crew. Brett Ratner is currently working on X-Men 3 while Jeff Nathanson is writing for Indiana Jones 4. Talk about keeping on with the big names. However, this type of talent came at a high price tag for New Line; a price tag that might have Tucker yelling 'I'm rich bitch!'
Tucker will earn $20 million against 20% of gross.
Chan will get $15 million against 15% of gross, and will also own the film's distribution rights in China and Hong Kong.
Ratner will get a spike on the upfront upfront part of the $5 million-against-5% gross deal he had on Rush Hour 2. Jeff Nathanson, not wanting to get left out, will also be paid a seven-figure salary for the script of Rush Hour 3. In a last dash attempt to get the sequel rolling, New Line Cinema figured that the loss of 40% of the gross profits was well worth another go of Rush Hour.
Just when it seemed like the salaries were big enough to set New Line Cinema back,
the studio could possibly greenlight the pic in the next few months, with a budget set somewhere near $120 million; a number that is actually low by summer tentpole standards.
Though the costs are high, New Line Cinema is banking that Rush Hour 3 will have the same success as Rush Hour 2, which turned out to be a
global smash that grossed $226 million domestically and $329 million worldwide.
Let's not even talk about the DVD sales. Cha Ching!
Expect another dose of Rush Hour
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