Check your tailpipe for bananas and prepare for a reunion with unlikely friends because Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley is getting the band back together! Judge Reinhold (Detective Billy Rosewood), John Ashton (Sgt. Taggart), Paul Reiser (Jeffrey), and Bronson Pinchot (Serge) will reunite with Eddie Murphy for the upcoming film, Netflix announced on Wednesday. While the plot remains more hidden than why they closed the log flume at Wonderworld, the idea of so many franchise alums returning is fantastic news. Previously announced cast members include Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper, Inception, Poker Face) and Taylour Paige (Zola, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, White Boy Rick).
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley falls under a one-time licensing deal between Netflix and Paramount to produce the project, starring Eddie Murphy. Filming is set to commence over 58 days, with a portion of the shoot in San Bernadino.
After an extensive search for a director, Mark Molloy will direct the Beverly Hills Cop sequel. Molloy’s previous work includes shooting a series of shorts and promos for Apple, Nissan, and the website domain registrar Go Daddy. Murphy will produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman for Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Will Beall, who wrote the screenplay for DC’s Aquaman, will pen the script.
Initially, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were slated to direct Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley but were replaced by Molloy when the duo exited the film to shoot Batgirl. Imagine walking away from Beverly Hills Cop 4 only to have your movie, Batgirl, shelved by the studio that courted you away from a prime opportunity. What a shame. I mean that sincerely. They deserve better.
What do you think about Reinhold, Ashton, Reiser, and Pinchot reteaming with Murphy for another Axel Foley adventure? Will the group bring back that old-school on-screen magic? I wonder where all the characters are at this point in their respective careers. I can’t wait to find out.