Hollywood veteran Eddie Murphy reflects on his iconic role as Axel Foley in the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, calling it a groundbreaking success for Black actors worldwide. In a recent interview with Extra, Murphy emphasized the impact of the film, stating, “Before ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ there had never been a movie that starred a Black man that was successful all around the world.”
Murphy credits “Beverly Hills Cop” as the catalyst for global recognition of Black actors in Hollywood, paving the way for stars like Will Smith and The Rock. He also confirmed that a fifth installment of the franchise is in the works, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer currently working on the script.
The original “Beverly Hills Cop” premiered in 1984 and garnered critical acclaim, leading to two sequels before the upcoming fourth entry. The film follows the story of Foley, a Detroit cop investigating a murder in Beverly Hills, portrayed by an ensemble cast including Judge Reinhold, Bronson Pinchot, Lisa Eilbacher, Paul Reiser, and John Ashton.
The highly anticipated fourth film, titled “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” will feature the return of original cast members alongside new additions like Kevin Bacon, Taylour Paige, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Directed by Mark Malloy, the film is set to premiere on Netflix on July 3.
