Eddie Murphy could use a win. It’s been six long years since his last role that he can be proud, as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, which is a controversial opinion only to the three members of N.S.T.T.M.D.I.T.S.F.A.T.H.A.S, or the Norbit, Shrek the Third, Meet Dave, Imagine That, Shrek Forever After, and Tower Heist Appreciation Society. So, like any middle-aged star in need of a quick buck, Murphy is teaming up with The Shield creator Shawn Ryan to relive his greatest, wise-crackingest success: Beverly Hills Cop.
Vulture has learned exclusively that the project is not only a reality, but that Shield creator Shawn Ryan is leading the charge to resurrect Axel Foley. Multiple industry insiders tell us Ryan, Eddie Murphy, and Sony Pictures Television have partnered on a small screen adaptation of the massively successful film franchise, and that broadcast networks began hearing their pitch on the spin-off this afternoon. In addition to his main role as an exec producer, Murphy has agreed to an on-camera role in the show. (Via)
And they shall call it Banana In the Tailpipe.
In an interview with Rolling Stone last year, Murphy said, “What I’m trying to do now is produce a TV show starring Axel Foley’s son, and Axel is the chief of police now in Detroit…I’d do the pilot, show up here and there.” Even if the premise doesn’t impress, it still sounds about a million Klumps better than Beverly Hills Cop 4, directed by Brett Ratner, which was Murphy’s original, now stalled plan. There are no further details on the TV project, but I hope it takes place shortly after the actions of Beverly Hills Cop 3 when that guy…did that thing…and that one lady…also did that thing. I have not seen Beverly Hills Cop 3. Still, Judge Reinhold or GTFO.
