With DOLEMITE IS MY NAME a hit with critics and fans and COMING 2 AMERICA currently filming, everyone wants to get back on board the Eddie Murphy train. While Murphy has certainly delivered many notable characters over the years, including Sherman Klump (THE NUTTY PROFESSOR) and Reggie Hammond (48 HOURS), his most memorable character might be Axel Foley. Murphy portrayed the reckless and hilarious Detroit detective in 1984's BEVERLY HILLS COP and its two sequels. However, it's been twenty-five years since Axel Foley graced the silver screen. While there's been talk of a fourth BEVERLY HILLS COP film for years, it looks as if it may finally happen.
In a move by Paramount Pictures, which owns the rights to the franchise, the company has made a one time licensing deal with Netflix for the streamer to make BEVERLY HILLS COP 4. The agreement also includes an option for a fifth film as well with Jerry Bruckheimer set to produce. This is actually the third time Paramount has issued a licensing deal with Netflix for one of their properties. The company did so with last year's THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX and ANNIHILATION. It's a practice that's becoming more and more common as companies seek new sources of revenue for classic properties. New Line recently did a similar deal with the foreign rights for SHAFT.
Like a tardy xenomorph, BEVERLY HILLS COP 4 has been gestating for years. At one time it was even being considered as a possible TV series at CBS. Making a move to a streaming service was perhaps inevitable for the film to actually get made.
BEVERLY HILLS COP 4 currently has no script, director, or release date, so filming is a ways off at this point. No word yet on if Judge Reinhold will return, however considering his last film was 2017's BAD GRANDMAS, I'd say it's a safe bet.
You can currently catch Eddie Murphy on Netflix in DOLEMITE IS MY NAME and in COMING 2 AMERICA on December 18, 2020.