Hollywood icon Eddie Murphy has shared an unexpectedly emotional confession about his relationship with the character that catapulted him to superstardom - Detective Axel Foley from the legendary Beverly Hills Cop franchise.
In a revealing new interview, the 63-year-old comedy legend admitted that slipping back into Foley's leather jacket and quick-witted persona for the new Netflix sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F felt like "coming home" after nearly four decades.
The Return of an Icon
Murphy's candid revelation came during discussions about reprising his most famous role for the first time since 1994's Beverly Hills Cop III. The actor confessed that returning to the character felt surprisingly natural, despite the 30-year gap between performances.
"There's something about Axel that just fits like a comfortable pair of shoes," Murphy explained. "The attitude, the humour, the Detroit swagger - it all came flooding back the moment I put on that jacket."
A Career-Defining Role
The original 1984 film transformed Murphy from a Saturday Night Live star into a global phenomenon. The movie became the highest-grossing film of that year in the United States, earning an impressive $234 million domestically.
Murphy reflected on how the character's unique blend of street-smart confidence and comedic timing became his signature style, influencing countless actors and comedians who followed.
Passing the Torch
The new Netflix installment sees Murphy's Foley teaming up with a new generation, including his character's estranged daughter Jane, played by Taylour Paige. The actor expressed particular excitement about sharing the screen with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon in the action-comedy.
"What's beautiful about this new film is that it respects the legacy while bringing something fresh to the table," Murphy noted. "We're not just rehashing old jokes - we're telling a new story that longtime fans and new audiences can both enjoy."
Why Now Was the Right Time
When asked why he chose to return to the franchise now, Murphy revealed it was a combination of the right script and personal timing. After his acclaimed comeback in 2019's Dolemite Is My Name and hosting Saturday Night Live, the comedian felt ready to revisit his most iconic character.
"I needed to wait until I had the same energy and passion I had when I first created Axel," Murphy shared. "This film captures that spirit perfectly."
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F begins streaming on Netflix this week, bringing Eddie Murphy's beloved character back to screens for a new generation of fans.
