'Superman' May Stop 'Rush Hour 3'

Now that Brett Ratner has completed work on "Red Dragon," he plans to begin production on a third installment of "Rush Hour" for New Line Cinema in January 2004, reports Variety.

New Line has long hoped to see Ratner reteam with stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker for "Rush Hour 3," even looking at the possibility of shooting Nos. 3 and 4 back-to-back.

While that thrifty plan is no longer under consideration, the often-elusive Tucker recently told Ratner that he's keen to make the movie, and the director is developing a treatment.

But while Ratner technically owes his next film to New Line, the studio has made no "Rush Hour" deals and isn't likely to do so until the helmer makes his intentions clear on two other projects -- Warner Bros.' "Superman" and Paramount's "Paycheck."

With Wolfgang Petersen tabling his "Batman vs. Superman" team-up to focus on "Troy," Warners is eager to move forward on a solo "Superman." McG is attached to direct that incarnation of the Man of Steel, but he's busy with "Charlie's Angels 2."

So Warners has been flirting with a number of other directors for "Superman," including Ratner. And while he'd love to do the picture, it still needs a budget.

By the time that comes to fruition, it may be too late for Ratner, which would be just fine with Par; the studio very much wants the Philip K. Dick adaptation "Paycheck" to be the director's next movie.

Ratner began negotiations to helm "Paycheck" earlier this year, and Par execs may get their wish, as he's keen on the latest script draft from Dean Georgaris.