No trailer yet, but here’s your first official look at CBS’ "Rush Hour" series (via several photos), which the network has set for a mid-season 2016 premiere.
Previously, Damon Wayans Jr was offered the part originated by Chris Tucker in the movie franchise, but he passed (or something else happened that led to his not signing on); The role was officially given to actor/comedian Justin Hires of "Key & Peele" fame (he’s also appeared on the big screen in films like "21 Jump Street").
To, of course, be based on the feature film of the same name, which gave birth to a trilogy of movies starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, the series is expected to follow a similar story, style and structure as the films – the misadventures of a straight-laced Hong Kong cop (played by Jackie Chan in the movies) and his not-so straight-laced black LAPD officer (originally portrayed by Chris Tucker).
CBS has also released an official synopsis: "Rush Hour, a reimagining of the hit feature film franchise, is a buddy-cop drama about a maverick LAPD detective and a by-the-book detective from Hong Kong who knock heads when they are forced to partner together. Detective Lee (Jon Foo) is a reserved, honorable master martial artist with lightning-fast moves who comes to L.A. to avenge his sister’s alleged death and learn more about her connection to a Chinese organized crime ring. Detective Carter (Justin Hires), on the other hand, is a wisecracking cop who plays by his own rules and has never wanted a partner. As exasperated as Carter’s boss, Captain Cole (Wendie Malick), gets with him, she knows he’s a brilliant detective who gets results. Attempting to help the two get along is Sergeant Didi Diaz (Aimee Garcia), Carter’s friend and former partner who doesn’t hesitate to call him out on his antics. But even as cultures clash and tempers flare, Carter and Lee can’t deny they make a formidable team, and grudgingly admit that sometimes an unlikely pairing makes for a great partnership."
The series will be penned by Bill Lawrence and Blake McCormick, and will be executive-produced by Arthur Sarkissian, Brett Ratner, Jeff Ingold and director Jon Turteltaub.
The 3 "Rush Hour" movies collectively grossed about $1 billion (adjusted for inflation) worldwide – clearly a commercial success.
All three films were directed by Ratner, who will serve as an executive producer on the new series.
As for a 4th "Rush Hour" movie, some years ago, producer Arthur Sarkissian, speaking at the Television Critics Association press tour, revealed that a 4th film in the franchise was in "serious development," adding: "I am working on ‘Rush Hour 4’ right now with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan… I’m trying to do it closer to how I did ‘Rush Hour 1,’ more down to earth, more gritty, introduce two new characters and make it real the way the first one was. I personally was not happy with the third one. I thought 1 and 2 were very good. I think 3 got out of hand a little bit. It’s not a matter of just bringing them back to do another segment of that, or a sequel to it, by putting them in another city and having them bicker. I don’t want that. I want something new."
No word on where "Rush Hour 4" currently stands, especially with news of a TV series based on the franchise, now getting closer to becoming a reality.
Photos from the CBS series above and below:
