Jackie Chan is the master of dangerous stunts, however, when he came to the American market, his label somewhat changed, as suddenly, he was praised for his comedic chops.
The film Rush Hour changed his career, at least over in North America. Still today, fans are asking questions about Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan's relationship. However, despite the fanfare, a fourth film doesn't appear to be in the works, at least at the moment.
In the following, we'll take a look at what went on behind the scenes during Rush Hour. Not only did Chan and Tucker get off to a rocky start, but Jackie hated the film, and it bombed in Asia. Chan wanted to be done with the American market, however, it would all change once the film got its release...
Rush Hour Bombed In The Asian Market And Jackie Chan Wasn't Pleased
Directed by Brett Ratner, Rush Hour was a major success in the US, pulling in $244 million at the box office, off a tame budget of $35 million. With an increased budget of $90 million, the sequel was yet again another huge success, topping its previous mark and generating $347 million at the box office.
Now prior to receiving these excellent numbers, Jackie Chan was not happy with the way the film turned out and in addition, it was a major failure over in the Asian market.
According to Chan alongside Slash Films, the movie failed to generate any hype, making $12 million - not even close to what his films normally generate in the particular market.
He said, "Now with Asian film[s], I am right! I know what works and what doesn't. 'Rush Hour' release[s] in Asia, and [it] bomb[s]. Nobody [went] to see it! Yeah! Only 12 million! My movie? I make a Hong Kong film, and it make 50 million! You see the difference? If 'Rush Hour' not starring Jackie Chan, I think it only make half million in Hong Kong. That's all!"
Chan's frustrations continued after the film, so much so that he thought his days in the US were done with.
Jackie Chan Was Not Happy With Rush Hour And Wanted To Shoot Films Overseas For Good
Following the end of the film, Chan was not pleased. He wanted to go back home and never return to the US. He stated, "I make the movie and I tell my manager, 'See? I should never make this kind of movie!' Then I go to Asia to make [an] Asian film."
However, Chan was in for quite the surprise when he got a call from his agent, telling him how great the film was and what a hit it became at the box office.
Chan was told to return for a sequel, and he later realized, his mind-set on the film may have been off.
"I slowly realize: Okay, I still have Chinese mind. I have 'hometown' mind. I don't get American culture, American dialogue. So now from that time on, I really listen to whatever Owen [Wilson] tell[s] me to say, whatever Chris Tucker tell[s] me to say. I realize, okay, anything I think not funny means, it's funny."
Following the film's success, Chan continued to bounce around both markets.
Jackie Chan's Team Said There Are No Plans In Place For A Fourth Rush Hour Film
Reports seem to be conflicting when it comes to the possibility of a fourth Rush Hour film. Back in 2017, not only did Chan say he was open to reviving the franchise, but he also said that a script was in place.
However, alongside People, his team would report the complete opposite, stating there are no plans in place for Chan to film a fourth Rush Hour.
They wrote, “We have noticed that false information that Mr. Chan would act in the motion pictures Rush Hour 4 and The Karate Kid 2 is spreading through multiple social media platforms."
"On behalf of Mr. Chan, we hereby declare that any and all such information, as spread by such infringers, relating to Mr. Chan providing or about to provide acting services in the motion pictures Rush Hour 4 and The Karate Kid 2 is false.”
It appears as though fans will have to watch the prior films over again for the time being...
