After a 29-year hiatus, Eddie Murphy is back in action as the wisecracking Detroit cop Axel Foley in the highly anticipated Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. The fourth installment in the iconic franchise is set to release on Netflix in 2024, promising a blend of nostalgia, humor, and a killer new case.
As of now, the film doesn't have an official release date, but it's expected to grace screens in 2024. While the first three films had theatrical releases, Beverly Hills Cop 4 took a different route, landing
a deal with Netflix in 2019. Whether Netflix will opt for a theatrical release remains unconfirmed.
The film's plot synopsis on IMDb reads:
Detective Axel Foley finds himself drawn back to the opulent environs of Beverly Hills to investigate the untimely demise of a long-time confidant. During this intricate journey, he stumbles upon a deep-seated corruption that has insidiously spread within the esteemed ranks of the Beverly Hills Police Force. Amidst this tangled web of deceit, Foley finds solace in reuniting with his beloved daughter. In an ironic twist of fate, he forms an unlikely alliance with her former beau, a cop renowned for his scrupulous adherence to the law, as they navigate their way through the complex labyrinth of the case.
"Beverly Hills Cop 4" underwent a prolonged development journey, initially taking form at Paramount before finding a home with Netflix. Eddie Murphy, expressing his commitment to quality, shared in 2021
with DERUS&MERO that the film was still in the refining stages, underscoring his insistence on commencing production only when the screenplay met his standards.
"They've been trying to make another Beverly Hills Cop for 15 years now. Right now, Netflix has it, and they're trying to develop a script. That's what we're supposed to be doing next. But, I'm not doing nothing until the script is right," said Eddie.
Netflix has recently unveiled the
first look of Eddie Murphy reprising his iconic role as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley." Producer Jerry Bruckheimer praises Murphy's unpredictable brilliance on set, reminiscent of past decades.
Returning to the role of Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley" wasn't a walk in the park for Eddie Murphy. At 62, the seasoned actor shared that revisiting the character after four decades was a challenging experience. In an
interview with PEOPLE, Murphy highlighted the physical demands of the action-comedy genre, stating, "It was a hard one. I did Axel Foley when I was in my 20s. I am not in my 20s anymore."
In the original 1984 film that propelled Murphy to international stardom, Axel Foley, a Detroit detective, pursues justice in southern California. The character's unorthodox methods initially clash with local law enforcement, but they eventually unite to take down criminals. Murphy reprised the role in 1987's "Beverly Hills Cop II" and 1994's "Beverly Hills Cop III."
Who else is joining Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills 4?
Per the film's
IDMb page, Murphy is joined by familiar faces of the series like Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, John Ashton, and Bronson Pinchot. Noteworthy additions include Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, and
Kevin Bacon in undisclosed roles, promising a mix of old and new chemistry.
Speaking to Empire, producer Jerry Bruckheimer promises a prime performance from Murphy, throwing audiences back to the iconic era. Beverly Hills 4 aims not just for laughs but to pick up with Axel Foley's character in the present day.
Bruckheimer further emphasized that the film goes beyond a mere repetition of elements from the earlier trilogy. He teased a poignant emotional aspect that will resonate with viewers on a deeper level, emphasizing, "It’s about the emotion. No matter how funny it is, how much great action it has, it’s all about the heartstrings.” This insight suggests that the movie aims to deliver not only laughs and thrilling sequences but also a meaningful and emotionally resonant storyline.
The storyline introduces Foley's criminal defense attorney daughter, played by Taylour Paige, who drags him into a California-based case, causing clashes with Kevin Bacon's LAPD special-unit officer. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Axel's new partner, ensuring a strong comedic duo.
