Eddie Murphy, a name synonymous with comedy, has had a career filled with both monumental successes and notable missteps. Emerging in the early 1980s, Murphy quickly became a household name through his work on “Saturday Night Live” and a series of box office hits like “Trading Places,” “The Golden Child,” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” His natural comedic talent made him one of the most significant comedic figures in the United States during that era.
However, as the years progressed, Murphy’s choice of roles began to polarize audiences. In the 1990s, he took on characters that some found crass or offensive, while others appreciated the satire and sheer absurdity. His role as an overweight teacher in “The Nutty Professor” (1996) and his portrayal of multiple characters, including the abusive Rasputia Latimore, in “Norbit” (2007) are prime examples. While “The Nutty Professor” was a commercial success, “Norbit” was less well-received, earning several Golden Raspberry nominations.
Murphy’s career has seen its share of ups and downs. Films like “Daddy Day Care,” “Meet Dave,” “Imagine That,” “The Haunted Mansion,” and “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” failed to impress critics or audiences, with “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” being a notable box office disaster, grossing only $7.1 million on a $100 million budget. Despite these setbacks, Murphy found success with roles such as Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise, James in “Dreamgirls,” and Slide in “Tower Heist.”
Yet, amidst his varied career, there is one role that Murphy will forever regret turning down. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Murphy revealed, “The only movie I ever turned down that became a big hit was ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit.’ I was going to be the Bob Hoskins dude. And I was like, ‘What? Animation and people? That sounds like bullshit to me.’ Now every time I see it, I feel like an idiot.”
Released in 1988, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was a groundbreaking film that seamlessly blended live-action with animation. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $351 million worldwide. It was lauded for its innovative approach and even won an Oscar for Best Film Editing. Murphy’s skepticism about the concept of merging humans with animation led him to pass on what could have been another significant credit in his filmography.
The success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was not just in its box office numbers but also in its lasting impact on the film industry. The movie set a new standard for visual effects and storytelling, proving that the combination of live-action and animation could be both commercially viable and critically acclaimed. For Murphy, missing out on this pioneering project remains a sore point in an otherwise illustrious career.
Murphy’s regret over turning down “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Even seasoned actors can sometimes misjudge the potential of a project. In Murphy’s case, his decision was based on a genuine skepticism about the film’s concept, a skepticism that many might have shared at the time. However, the film’s success proved that taking risks can sometimes lead to groundbreaking achievements.
Despite this missed opportunity, Murphy’s career is filled with memorable roles and performances that have left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. From his early days on “Saturday Night Live” to his iconic roles in films like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Shrek,” Murphy has consistently demonstrated his versatility and talent. His ability to make audiences laugh, even in the face of mixed reviews and box office flops, is a testament to his enduring appeal.
In the end, while Murphy may always feel a pang of regret when he watches “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” his career is a testament to his resilience and talent. Every actor has roles they wish they had taken or passed on, but it is the sum of their choices that defines their legacy. For Eddie Murphy, his legacy is one of laughter, innovation, and an undeniable impact on the world of comedy.
Source: Far Out, YouTube Still
