Rush Hour 4 budget soars past $100 million amid new financing push

Rush Hour 4’s budget passes $100 million with Saudi funding and Paramount distribution driving the sequel forward

New details about Rush Hour 4 have surfaced, revealing that the long-awaited sequel will cost well over $100 million to make.

The information comes from reporting by Puck’s Kim Masters, who spoke with industry sources and exchanged messages with director Brett Ratner, confirming the scale of the production.

According to Masters’ sources, a portion of the financing will come from Saudi Arabia, which has become an increasingly influential player in global entertainment funding. The kingdom is also supporting David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, linking the film’s financing to broader industry maneuvering.

Ratner confirmed the large budget in a text, stating, “The budget is over 100m.” As part of the project’s structure, Paramount is expected to handle distribution duties for Warner Bros., receiving a double-digit percentage fee, signaling a unique partnership between the studios.

The road to production has been lengthy. Ratner previously attempted to shop the film to multiple studios, with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker both committed to returning. However, no studio agreed to move forward until U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged Ellison to greenlight the sequel, giving the project the final push it needed.

Ratner’s recent work includes a $40 million Melania Trump documentary for Amazon/MGM, along with past directing credits such as the 2011 comedy Tower Heist, which was filmed inside Trump Tower.

The original Rush Hour became a global hit, earning $244 million worldwide and establishing the franchise’s blend of action, martial arts, and comedy. With its expanded budget and renewed studio support, Rush Hour 4 is shaping up to be one of the most significant franchise revivals currently in development.