Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are one of the all-time great buddy comedy duos, and GRUMPY OLD MEN, in which they starred as feuding neighbours John Gustafson Jr. and Max Goldman, still stands as a delightful and often hilarious film. The film spawned a sequel, GRUMPIER OLD MEN, several years after the release of the first, and it seems that the franchise is due to board the remake train with Eddie Murphy taking on a starring role.
Deadline reports that Eddie Murphy is in talks to star in a new comedy for New Line Cinema which will be inspired by GRUMPY OLD MEN. Tim Story (RIDE ALONG) is set to direct and produce the film, and as for who will be starring opposite Eddie Murphy, the studio hasn't gotten that far yet, but sources have pointed to Samuel L. Jackson as a possibility. It's also been said that the project may get a new title when all is said and done. I'm not sure whether or not Eddie Murphy fits into the grumpy old man mold, but it's been far too long since our last decent comedy from the actor.
Eddie Murphy recently wrapped DOLEMITE IS MY NAME in which he stars as Rudy Ray Moore, a self-made blaxploitation icon of the '70s who starred in a series of films about a kung-fu wielding pimp/nightclub owner. The upcoming film will debut on Netflix and also stars Wesley Snipes, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Rock, and more. As for Tim Story, he's currently in post-production on SHAFT, which is set for a June 14, 2019 release and stars Jessie T. Usher, Alexandra Shipp, Samuel L. Jackson, Regina Hall, and Richard Roundtree.