Source: Variety

Chris Tucker, who has made only "Rush Hour" films since 1998, is expected to sign a two-picture, $40 million contract at New Line , which has been trying extremely hard to get Rush Hour 3 off the ground.

According to Variety, Tucker is expected to sign on to the picture today after a meeting with director Brett Ratner and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, who will put Rush Hour 3 on track for a late fall start in Los Angeles and Paris.

Nathanson, who wrote "Rush Hour 2"and just finished "Indiana Jones 4," will begin writing the sequel script as soon as Tucker signs, says the trade.

Tucker's involvement also activates a near-$20 million payday for Jackie Chan and a $7.5 million payday for director Ratner. It essentially greenlights a film that will cost around $100 million and will anchor New Line's 2006 summer.

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