40 years since we first met Eddie Murphy’s iconic character Axel Foley, he returns for the fourth installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. The new film introduces this beloved character to a new generation, bridging a 30-year gap since Beverly Hills Cop III premiered in 1994.
When you’re in a movie like this, you know that stays around forever and ever, when we get on the set together, it just flows,
Eddie Murphy commented during an interview. Indeed, the film reunites Murphy with familiar faces like John Ashton and Judge Reinhold.
When we started filming, it felt like we hadn’t left,
said John Ashton, reprising his role as Sergeant Taggart.
The revival isn’t just about nostalgia. Judge Reinhold noted, It’s not like we went and dug up something that had been buried. The movies were lucky enough to be in a celebrated franchise that’s continued to play, so it felt like a continuation.
Eddie Murphy’s ongoing admiration for his co-stars is palpable. A particularly notable addition to the cast is Kevin Bacon. Murphy has long admired Bacon’s work ever since their breakout roles in 1984—Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop and Bacon in Footloose.
I’ve always been a fan of his. He’s just been this solid actor for all these years,
said Murphy. Bacon reciprocates that sentiment by acknowledging, I think that the reason why you go and make four movies like that is because Axel Foley and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley is just something you want to see again and again.
This iteration of the film introduces fresh elements while honoring its roots. Director Mark Molloy combines inspiration from the original movies with fresh storytelling twists.
The new blood in the series includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Axel’s partner and Taylour Paige as Foley’s daughter, adding dynamic elements to this installment.
Bruckheimer expresses his admiration for Murphy’s unpredictable brilliance on set, noting that every day of filming harkens back to the vibrant energy of the ’80s.
, shares producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
The movie is already generating buzz ahead of its Netflix release on July 3rd. Critics have praised its recall of past glory while addressing modern-day narratives. One review even touted it as potentially the best since the original.
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