After being stuck in development for more than two years, Rush Hour 3 is being hastened into production.

E!Online reports that New Line Cinema has penned the movie into their 2007 summer schedule. Stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, as well as director Brett Ratner, have all signed on to the third chapter in the action-comedy franchise about two mismatched cops.

The movie was supposed to start production in 2003, but Tucker, despite being offered $20 million, demanded script approval. In the meantime, Chan and Ratner moved on with other projects.

Tucker will still receive $20 million, and he will also get 20 per cent of the gross. In exchange, he has agreed to forego script approval. Chan takes home $15 million against 15 per cent of the gross, and he also owns distribution rights in China and Hong Kong.

The studio will bet a $120 million budget on the film. The original 1998 Rush Hour was budgeted at $35 million and made $140 million, and the 2001 sequel earned $226 million on a cost of $90 million. No wonder they’re in such a rush to get this off the ground.






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