Chris Tucker is known as the other half of the famous duo in the Rush Hour films, 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.
Here’s How Chris Tucker Negotiated His Tom Cruise-Level Salary For Rush Hour 2
Like Jackie Chan, the Def Comedy Jam actor Chris Tucker became an international star because of the Rush Hour movie. 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 first Rush Hour stint, Tucker received $3 million. Rush Hour premiered 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.
Chris Tucker Shares Updates On Upcoming Rush Hour 4
Chris Tucker earned more money in Rush 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 fourth Rush Hour installment is currently in the works.
Tucker confirmed that production is in its early stages, and they are trying to make it happen (via Winging It podcast):
“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 the Rush Hour franchise.
Rush Hour movies are available on Netflix.
Sources: Club Shay Shay, Winging It
