‘Rush Hour’ is one of the funniest films made, and is still a resort for many looking for a light watch. The 1998 American buddy cop action comedy film is directed by Brett Ratner. Starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, the movie received a lot of praise from viewers. But did you ever imagine someone else other than the amazing Chris Tucker beside Jackie Chan in the movie?
It might have been very possible, since the role of Detective James Carter was initially offered to Martin Lawrence. However, the actor cum comedian turned down the offer to star in ‘Rush Hour’. Lawrence recently talked about it on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Here’s what he said.
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Why Did Martin Lawrence Turn Down ‘Rush Hour’?
Martin Lawrence recently revealed why he turned down ‘Rush Hour’ durinf his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, for the promotion of his upcoming film ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’. Speaking alongside his co-star Will Smith on Tuesday, Lawrence said, “Jackie Chan asked me to star in Rush Hour with him, but I turned it down.”
“Jackie Chan likes Black people,” Will Smith said with a hint of humor. Lawrence continued with his story, saying, “Where did I take the call? He did my show, so we talked somewhere in between there. We talked in person, and then we had a dinner.”
When asked why he turned down the role and an opportunity to work with Jackie Chan, Lawrence revealed, “Wasn’t enough money.”
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Martin Lawrence Does Not Regret His Decision
‘Rush Hour’ made a box-office collection of over $244 million worldwide, and is still looked up as a worthy watch. But Martin Lawrence seems to have no regrets about the lost opportunity.
When Jimmy Fallon asked Lawrence whether he regretted his decision of turning down the film, he said, “I was happy for Chris, that’s what it was supposed to be,” he said. “Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, and they brought a beautiful franchise with Rush Hour,” Lawrence added.
And he is not wrong. The duo created absolute magic in ‘Rush Hour’. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker won hearts as the mismatched police officers Chief Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter respectively.
In the film, the duo partners up to rescue a Chinese diplomat’s abducted daughter, putting forth a compelling story that made ‘Rush Hour‘ one of Jackie Chan’s highest grossing movies of all times.
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