September 7, 1998
Can Mariah carry a film? Chris Tucker is about to find out
HOLLYWOOD -- Chris Tucker, who calls himself the fastest mouth in the west, teams up with Jackie Chan, whom he calls the fastest hands in the east, for the comedy Rush Hour, which opens Sept. 18.

Last year, Tucker made less than $1 million US to appear as Charlie Sheen's sidekick in Money Talks.

For Rush Hour, he earned $5 million and is getting a whopping $7 million for his next movie, Double-O-Soul.

Tucker will play a James Bond-style secret agent.

His love interest will be played by diva Mariah Carey, who will be making her acting debut.

"Double-O-Soul is an action-comedy, but it's not a spoof of the Bond movies. It's no black Austin Powers," says Tucker.

"As soon as I heard that Mariah was looking to make a movie, I approached her with the script. She said yes because she is a huge fan of Bond."

Tucker isn't worried that Carey is a neophyte when it comes to acting.

"She's got the looks and she's got a great personality. If she turns out to be a dynamite actress, it's a bonus for everyone, including the audience."

Double-O-Soul starts shooting in December for a fall 1999 release.