Eddie Murphy, now 63, is back in action with his iconic role as Axel Foley in the latest installment of the Beverly Hills Cop series, titled “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” The film is set to premiere on Netflix on July 3, 2024. Reflecting on his return to the franchise, Murphy shared his experiences and challenges of filming at his age during an appearance on the Today show.
Murphy humorously remarked that filming the new movie made him feel like an “old man.” He reminisced about his youthful days when he first took on the role of Axel Foley at the age of 21. Now, over four decades later, the actor finds himself less inclined to perform stunts. He recounted a moment on set when the director asked him to run down some steps with urgency. Murphy’s response was a firm “No,” highlighting his preference for less physically demanding roles at this stage in his career.
The new film, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” marks the fourth entry in the beloved series that began in 1984. The original movie catapulted Murphy to stardom as Detroit detective Axel Foley, who travels to California to solve the murder of his childhood friend. The franchise continued with two sequels, the last of which was released in 1994.
Murphy expressed his deep connection to the character of Axel Foley, describing him as an everyman who rises to the occasion. He believes this relatability, combined with the character’s humor, is why audiences have always loved Axel. The actor also shared that when he travels overseas, people still recognize him as Axel Foley, a testament to the character’s enduring popularity.
In the latest installment, Axel Foley teams up with familiar faces Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton), as well as new characters played by Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The plot revolves around a conspiracy that threatens Axel’s daughter’s life, prompting him to join forces with his old pals and new partners to uncover the truth.
Murphy previously discussed the physical demands of filming the new movie in an interview with PEOPLE. He acknowledged that making an action movie at his age was challenging but expressed satisfaction with the final product. Despite the physical toll, Murphy’s passion for his craft remains undiminished.
During his chat with Al Roker on the Today show, Murphy shared a personal anecdote about filming a scene right after his daughter Bria’s wedding in July 2022. Bria makes a cameo in the film, arresting her father in one scene, while Murphy’s son-in-law, Michael Xavier, tases him in another. Murphy described the experience as surreal, blending his personal and professional life in a unique way.
Reflecting on his career, Murphy mentioned that he initially planned to retire at 50 but has since decided to continue being creative until the end of his life. He expressed hope that fans of the original Beverly Hills Cop movies will enjoy the new film, especially those who grew up watching the series.
As the release date for “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” approaches, fans eagerly anticipate seeing Eddie Murphy reprise his iconic role. The film promises to deliver the humor, action, and charm that made the original movies so beloved. With a mix of nostalgia and fresh elements, the latest installment is set to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
