Rush Hour 3 Arriving Theaters on Aug 10 2007

Comedian Chris Tucker will have $25 million in his bank account from New Line Cinema to star in the upcoming “Rush Hour 3,” whether the film is made or not.

According to Fox.com, the actor has a “pay or play” clause in his contract that means he will still receive the paycheck, which is $5 million more than previously announced, even if the film never goes into production. Tucker’s co-star, Jackie Chan, will receive $15 million under a pay or play deal, and director Brett Ratner will be paid $8 million for his efforts.

According to Fox411 columnist Roger Friedman, all principals in the “Rush Hour 3” project will receive some kind of advance before cameras begin rolling inlate August in New York.

Tucker’s track record at the box office may have had something to do with New Line’s willingness to secure him with a large sum. “Rush Hour 2” is the highest grossing comedy of all time, and the total worldwide take for the first two films was $600 million.