Paramount Pictures is officially moving ahead with Rush Hour 4, putting the long-dormant buddy-cop franchise back into motion after years of uncertainty. The studio will handle distribution through a flat-fee deal that limits its financial exposure, a structure that has become more common for legacy franchises trying to restart without the burden of full studio funding.

Brett Ratner, who directed the first three films, is back at the helm. That alone raised eyebrows, given the unresolved controversies that contributed to the franchise’s long pause. Still, the prospect of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker returning to their iconic roles has already sparked fresh excitement from fans who grew up with the series’ blend of action and comedy.

One wrinkle adding even more attention to this revival is the reported involvement of Donald Trump. According to the original report, Trump personally encouraged an ally in the industry to help jump-start the project, which had been stalled for years. The move surprised many in Hollywood, but it ultimately helped put the long-discussed sequel back on track.

The original trilogy earned more than $850 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful buddy-cop franchises of its time. With the new film still in early stages, details on casting, plot and production schedule are not yet confirmed. But the combination of Ratner’s return, Paramount’s low-risk distribution setup and the political intrigue around how the project resurfaced has made Rush Hour 4 one of the most talked-about revivals in development.