Eddie Murphy is back in action as the beloved and unconventional Detective Axel Foley in the latest installment of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, titled “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” Premiering on Netflix on July 3, this new action-comedy marks the return of one of cinema’s most iconic police detectives, 30 years after his last adventure in Los Angeles’ most famous ZIP code.
Murphy reprises his role as Axel Foley, the Detroit police officer whose knack for getting into trouble often leads him to the sunny and glamorous streets of Beverly Hills. The character first appeared in the 1984 classic “Beverly Hills Cop,” followed by sequels in 1987 and 1994. This time, Axel is back to tackle new threats and bring his unique brand of justice to the 90210.
Joining Murphy in this new adventure is Judge Reinhold, who returns as Lt. Billy Rosewood, Axel’s loyal partner. The cast also includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Bobby Abbott, a detective with the Beverly Hills Police Department and the ex-boyfriend of Axel’s estranged daughter, Jane, played by Taylour Paige. The plot kicks off when Jane, a criminal defense attorney, receives a life-threatening message, prompting Axel to team up with both old and new allies to uncover the source of the danger.
The official trailer for “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” promises a wild ride, featuring scenes of Axel, Billy, and Bobby causing chaos across Beverly Hills. From crash-landing a helicopter on a golf course to chasing down criminals in a snowplow and driving a cargo truck through a luxurious home, the trio is determined to solve the case, no matter the cost.
Fans of the original series will be delighted to see familiar faces returning. Paul Reiser reprises his role as Police Chief Jeffrey Friedman, John Ashton returns as Sgt. John Taggart, and Bronson Pinchot is back as Serge, Axel’s former adversary. New to the cast is Kevin Bacon, who plays Capt. Grant, a character whose trustworthiness is questionable, given Axel’s past encounters with corrupt cops.
In a recent interview on “The Daily Show,” Bacon discussed his role, stating, “I’m not afraid of being a bad guy in the movie.” He added, “To me, it’s just great parts, and I just want to be them. And I’m exorcising some demons.” This hints at a complex character who may add an intriguing layer to the film’s narrative.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a newcomer to the franchise, shared his excitement about his role in an interview with Empire. He described his character as “a bit straight-laced” compared to Axel Foley but emphasized that he isn’t just a simple straight man. “I also get my licks in,” Gordon-Levitt said. “I wouldn’t be living up to this crazy opportunity if I wasn’t going to have a few myself. We got to do some really fun stuff.”
The return of “Beverly Hills Cop” comes at a time when Hollywood is embracing sequels, reboots, and repurposings of beloved projects. The summer box office season is filled with familiar faces and stories, and “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is poised to be a standout among them. The film’s blend of action, comedy, and nostalgia is expected to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Axel Foley has always been a highlight of the series, combining sharp wit, street smarts, and a knack for getting into and out of trouble. His return to the role is highly anticipated, and the film promises to deliver the same high-energy hijinks that made the original movies so popular.
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a fresh take on a classic character, bringing Axel Foley’s unique style of crime-fighting to a new generation. With a talented cast, thrilling action sequences, and the comedic genius of Eddie Murphy, the film is set to be a must-watch this summer.
As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see Axel Foley back in action. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Axel F” promises to be an entertaining and exhilarating ride.
Source: Detroit News, Empire, The Daily Show
