May 4, 2006
Looks like it's finally a done deal: Director Brett Ratner, screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, and stars Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker are all locked in for Rush Hour 3, which New Line hopes to shoot later this year in preparation for a summer 2007 release date. Says Variety: "New Line signed Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, director Brett Ratner and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson last fall to reunite for the sequel. It had the option to green light the picture by this week, triggering pay-or-play deals for the helmer and two stars.
Tucker will earn $20 million against 20% of gross along with a second-picture commitment for the same salary on a film to be determined later. Chan will get around $15 million against 15% of gross and own distribution rights in China and Hong Kong.
Rush Hour 3 will be set in Paris, where Tucker and Chan's characters will battle a wing of the Chinese organized crime family, the Triads."