Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy just dropped a bombshell regarding his celebrated career and the billions in box office revenue he let slip away. In the candid new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, the comedy icon opens up about passing on three cinematic masterpieces that defined generations. These shocking confessions reveal how close we came to a completely different movie history.
Why Murphy Passed on Ghostbusters for Beverly Hills Cop
The most surprising revelation comes from the 1984 classic Ghostbusters. Dan Aykroyd originally wrote the role of Winston Zeddemore specifically for Murphy during his Saturday Night Live heyday. The script was tailored to Murphy’s fast-talking energy which would have paired him alongside Bill Murray.
Murphy turned down the ghost-busting equipment to star in Beverly Hills Cop.
It was a difficult choice between two massive scripts. Murphy admits in the documentary that he simply could not do both films due to scheduling conflicts. While Ghostbusters became a cultural phenomenon, his decision was not a total loss. Beverly Hills Cop cemented him as a solo global superstar and became the highest-grossing R-rated film of its time.
The role of Winston eventually went to Ernie Hudson. However, the script was heavily revised and reduced after Murphy declined. Murphy notes that while he loves the franchise, watching the original film always gives him a slight pinch of “what if.”
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The Expensive Mistake of Rejecting Who Framed Roger Rabbit
If missing Ghostbusters was a scheduling conflict, passing on Who Framed Roger Rabbit was a failure of imagination. Murphy reveals he was offered the lead role of Eddie Valiant in the groundbreaking 1988 film. The movie was set to blend live-action actors with cartoons in a way never seen before.
Murphy frankly admits he thought the concept sounded ridiculous.
“I was like, ‘What?’ Animation and people, that sounds like garbage to me,” Murphy laughs in the documentary. He could not visualize how the final product would look on screen. The role subsequently went to Bob Hoskins who delivered a legendary performance.
The film went on to win three Academy Awards and revitalized the entire animation industry. Murphy says he felt like an “idiot” the first time he saw the finished movie in theaters. It stands as one of the few times his instincts completely failed him regarding a script’s potential.
Passing on Rush Hour Created a Different Action Star
The third major regret discussed in Being Eddie is the 1998 buddy-cop hit Rush Hour. Producers were desperate to pair Murphy with martial arts legend Jackie Chan. The studio envisioned a dynamic similar to 48 Hrs. but with high-octane kung fu action.
Murphy passed on the project because he wanted to take a break from cop roles.
The part of Detective James Carter went to Chris Tucker. Tucker’s high-pitched energy and chemistry with Chan turned the film into a massive franchise earning over $800 million globally. Murphy explains that seeing the chemistry between Tucker and Chan made him realize he might have been too hasty in dismissing another police comedy.
Here is a look at the Box Office impact of the films Murphy declined:
| Movie Title | Release Year | Global Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| Ghostbusters | 1984 | $295 Million |
| Who Framed Roger Rabbit | 1988 | $329 Million |
| Rush Hour (Franchise) | 1998 | $849 Million |
How These Lost Roles Shaped a Comedy Legacy
Despite these missed opportunities, Murphy maintains a positive outlook on his trajectory. He emphasizes that turning down these hits opened the door for him to pursue passion projects like The Nutty Professor and Coming to America. His voice work in Shrek also proved he eventually embraced animation with record-breaking success.
The documentary highlights that valid regrets are just part of a long career.
He wants young actors to understand that no one has a perfect batting average in Hollywood. Murphy’s vulnerability in Being Eddie shows a side of the star rarely seen by the public. He acknowledges that while he missed out on being a Ghostbuster, he has no complaints about the life his other choices provided.
The film industry is defined by these sliding door moments. It is fascinating to imagine a world where Eddie Murphy hunted ghosts or solved crimes with Roger Rabbit. Yet, fans generally agree that everything worked out exactly as it should have for the comedy king.
We want to hear from you about these revelations. Do you think Eddie Murphy would have been better than Bill Murray or Chris Tucker in these roles? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using the trending hashtag #BeingEddie.
