Variety brings news of an exceedingly lucrative contract for Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, and director Brett Ratner. All involved parties are waiting for Tucker to sign the deal, but all signs point to "Rush Hour 3" becoming a reality and hitting the screens next summer.

In the last seven years, Tucker has appeared in precisely two films: "Rush Hour" and "Rush Hour 2." The third go-round will reunite Tucker, Chan, Ratner, and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson - all of whom are now a whole lot richer now that Tucker's on board. New Line, thrilled to get the sequel into production, rewarded Tucker with a 2-picture deal worth 40 million bucks. Not too shabby for a guy who does only "Rush Hour" movies ... when he feels like it.