When a billboard showing Lee Byung Hun and Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared over a bar on Hollywood Boulevard, many media outlets assumed it was an ad for an actual upcoming sequel in the “Rush Hour” series that previously starred Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. However, it turns out the ad was just part of the set-up for a funny “Funny or Die” parody video.
While it would not be surprising for Lee Byung Hun to be cast in another Hollywood film, following his appearance in “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “Red” and the upcoming films “Terminator Genysis” and "Beyond Decit," not everyone was convinced the billboard was for real. The online publication The Daily Beast, suspected that rapper, actor and entrepreneur Combs was creating another parody to follow his recent funny “Downton Diddy” video.
Lee Byung Hun's agency said that it is not a joke. On April 23, his agency, BH Entertainment, confirmed his participation but would not offer any details.
"It is true that Lee Byung Hun participated in a portion of the filming for 'Rush Hour 4.' However, due to the contract, we are not able to confirm anything else."
Be Funny Studios said that the stars had not met before the collaboration. When the U.S. producers and Combs conceived the project they thought that Lee Byung Hun would be a perfect fit.
“We wanted to show everyone something where a Western and Eastern star have a great time together on screen,” said Funny Or Die Studios CEO Won Lee. “I hope it also becomes an opportunity to make Hallyu more well-known.”
The “Rush Hour” film series began in 1998. The original film opened at first place in the box office, earning $33 million and positive reviews. It ultimately earned $244 million and was followed by "Rush Hour 2" in 2001 and "Rush Hour 3" in 2007.
In the parody Lee Byung Hun and Sean "Diddy" Combs swap faces and apparently also bodies in a pointless attempt to confuse a criminal who might recognize them. This gives them the opportunity to exchange plenty of funny jokes about stereotypes.
Check out the video here. Let us know what you think:
