It looks like Chris Tucker fans won't have to wait until the inevitable Rush Hour 4 to see him back on the big screen.

Variety reported yesterday that Tucker has signed on to star in Brett Ratner's adaptation of Mr. S: My Life With Frank Sinatra, the 2003 memoir penned by Sinatra's valet, George Jacobs, with William Stadiem, who is also writing the screenplay. From the article:

Stadiem, a longtime chronicler of old Hollywood, has been tapped to write the screenplay, which weaves in celebrity anecdotes involving Marilyn Monroe, Peter Lawford, the Kennedys, Ava Gardner, Humphrey Bogart, Mia Farrow, Elvis Presley, Swifty Lazar and Marlene Dietrich, among others.

Brett Ratner directing what amounts to a Sinatra biopic? We can just hear the Chairman's fans howling now. And here's an extra quote from Stadiem, to pour some salt into the wounds:

"Brett is a Rat Pack obsessive, and so it's fun to work with someone so passionate about the period. I think he's channeling Frank sometimes."

The report doesn't mention a target release for Sinatra, but it does say Tucker is "currently prepping a standup comedy tour," so filming will presumably have to wait until that's finished.

Source: Variety