The intersection of power and entertainment took an unexpected turn when Donald Trump entered the political arena. Beyond policy and rallies, a surprising passion has emerged: a fervent desire to resurrect a beloved action-comedy franchise –Rush Hour.
Eighteen years after Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker last graced the screen as mismatched detectives, reports suggest Trump is actively championing a fourth installment. This isn’t a casual wish; it’s a focused effort, reportedly involving direct appeals to a powerful media mogul.
The target of this cinematic lobbying? Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle and controlling shareholder of Paramount Global. Trump, according to sources, is “personally pressing” Ellison to greenlight a newRush Hourfilm, potentially as part of a larger acquisition of the studio behind the original trilogy.
The originalRush Hour, released in 1998, captivated audiences with its blend of martial arts action and comedic timing. The unlikely pairing of Chan and Tucker, navigating cultural clashes and a kidnapping case, spawned two successful sequels. However, the series’ director, Brett Ratner, has faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to a professional severing of ties.
This isn’t an isolated cinematic interest. Trump’s film preferences reveal a distinct taste for high-octane action and larger-than-life characters. He’s publicly lauded several films, hinting at a potential agenda to revive classic, crowd-pleasing franchises.
Perhaps the most enduring of these affections is for 1988’sBloodsport, a Jean-Claude Van Damme martial arts spectacle. A 1990s profile detailed Trump’s obsession with the film, even fast-forwarding through plot points to maximize the action sequences. He reportedly challenged a journalist to admit their enjoyment of the “ridiculous” but “incredible” movie.
Beyond brute force, Trump also appreciates cinematic grandeur. He’s often referencedCitizen Kane, Orson Welles’ masterpiece, even drawing parallels between himself and the film’s complex protagonist, Charles Foster Kane. He’s spoken of the isolating effects of wealth, a theme central to the film’s narrative.
Classic Westerns also hold a place in his esteem. Sergio Leone’sThe Good, the Bad and the Ugly, with Clint Eastwood’s iconic performance, made his list of top five favorite films. He noted the characters resonated with the types he’d encountered in the world of business.
The gangster epicThe Godfatheralso resonates with Trump, so much so that he famously quoted a line – “It’s not personal, it’s business” – during a conversation, demonstrating the film’s deep imprint on his worldview.
Even the sweeping romance ofGone with the Windhas captured his attention. In a surprising turn, he invoked the film while criticizing a more recent Oscar winner, expressing a longing for the grandeur of Hollywood’s golden age.
Whether this cinematic push will result in a newRush Houror a revival of another classic remains to be seen. But it offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a former president, and his unexpected passion for the world of film.
