Brett Ratner & Chris Tucker on Rush Hour 3, Jackie Chan, Comedy & Fame (2007)
In this rare in-depth conversation, director Brett Ratner and actor-comedian Chris Tucker sit down to discuss the making of Rush Hour 3, their long-running creative partnership, and the global phenomenon of the Rush Hour franchise. From working alongside Jackie Chan to balancing blockbuster success with personal purpose, the conversation explores comedy chemistry, filmmaking at scale, and why Rush Hour became a worldwide cultural hit. Tucker opens up about stepping away from Hollywood, humanitarian work in Africa, and using celebrity for global impact, while Ratner reflects on storytelling, box office pressure, and making films that reach mass audiences. Together, they break down why comedic duos endure, how stand-up sharpens screen performance, and what separates forgettable spectacle from movies people return to again and again. This episode is a time capsule of early-2000s Hollywood, capturing the intersection of comedy, action cinema, celebrity influence, and creative longevity. 00:00 Rush Hour Returns 01:12 Why Do a Sequel 02:29 Fame and Humanitarian Work 03:54 Using Celebrity for Good 04:17 The Rush Hour Chemistry 05:59 Fish Out of Water Comedy 06:39 From Partners to Brothers 07:01 Paris as a Character 08:28 Filming in France 09:43 Stand-Up and Staying Sharp 11:22 Comedy Timing Explained 12:49 Richard Pryor’s Legacy 14:04 What Makes a Blockbuster 15:23 Director–Actor Trust 16:34 Growing Up Funny 17:06 Politics and Influence 18:25 Choosing When to Speak 19:33 Photography and Storytelling 21:07 Popcorn Movies vs Prestige 22:12 Making Films for Audiences Film Discussion is a curated interview archive and conversation series presented by Occupy Cinema. We spotlight the minds behind the movies—actors, directors, writers, and cultural critics—through thoughtful interviews, archival footage, and contemporary conversations. From Broadway to global cinema, Film Discussion explores the craft, politics, and impact of storytelling on screen and stage. Join our community of 800+ filmmakers: https://occupy.beehiiv.com/subscribe Instagram: / filmdiscussion_ Facebook: / filmdiscussionofficial #FilmDiscussion #RushHour3 #JackieChan
