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Chris Tucker is known as the other half of the famous duo in theRush Hourfilms, appearing alongside action star and martial artist Jackie Chan. The movie propelled both actors to stardom and marked the beginning of a movie franchise that would later span into several installments.
At the height of his popularity, Tucker managed to turn luck to his side. He was able to make a name for himself, and on top of that, he was paid the same level of salary as one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
RELATED:“It’s going to be on a whole other level”: Chris Tucker Teases Rush Hour 4, Says: “I love working with Jackie”
Here’s How Chris Tucker Negotiated His Tom Cruise-Level Salary ForRush Hour 2
LikeJackie Chan, theDef Comedy JamactorChris Tuckerbecame an international star because of theRush Hourmovie. The pair had unparalleled chemistry in the buddy-cop comedy film, bringing more demand for a sequel. Speaking on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast,Club Shay Shay, Tucker recalled how he landed on the role:
“So we went after it and tried to get the Rush Hour script and do the movie with Jackie, and it came together because one of the producers wanted me in the movie. They wanted a fresh face… and I got the part.”
For his firstRush Hourstint, Tucker received $3 million.Rush Hourpremiered in theaters in 1998 and grossed over $240 million worldwide. Because of the film’s success, the comedian star demanded more pay:
“Back then, I said, after the success of the first Rush Hour, my movie made over $100 million, Tom Cruise’s movie made over $100 million. He’s getting $20 million, so I need to get $20 million.”
The studio did not even blink and just agreed with Tucker’s request, believing the popularity of the franchise would bring in more fortune:
“So I just went in there and told the studio, ‘If y’all wanna do another one, I want $20 million.’ And they said OK because they knew that it was gonna make a whole bunch of money. And I felt like I was worth that because I knew the movie was gonna make some more money too.”
Tucker thought that it was his “business side” that did the talking, and he also believed it was the perfect time to ask for a raise.
RELATED:“I should never make this kind of movie”: Jackie Chan Wanted to Quit Hollywood After $244 Million Movie, Reveals What Changed His Mind
Chris Tucker Shares Updates On UpcomingRush Hour 4
Chris Tucker earned more money inRush Hour 3, and with a $25 million paycheck in his pocket, he became one of the highest-paid stars at the time. He might bring home more cash in the future, as the fourthRush Hourinstallment is currently in the works.
Tucker confirmed that production is in its early stages, and they are trying to make it happen (viaWinging Itpodcast):
“We’re working on a few things on the script right now. Jackie Chan wants to do it, I want to do it, the studio wants to do it, so we’re trying to get it together.”
While this news may excite fans, Jackie Chan’s management clarified that the actor has not yet agreed to any project relating to theRush Hourfranchise.
Rush Hourmovies are available on Netflix.
Sources:Club Shay Shay,Winging It
RELATED:“This was gonna mess up my movie money”: Highest Paid Actor at One Time Chris Tucker Was on the Verge of Bankrupcty After Devastating Career Setback
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3531
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
