Eddie Murphy has tapped into his rich reservoir of life experiences to bring Axel Foley back to life in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
The 63-year-old star, who first charmed audiences with his wisecracking detective persona 30 years ago, is slipping back into Axel’s shoes for the fourth movie of the action franchise. But don’t expect the same old Axel — Murphy’s got some new tricks up his sleeve.
“Even though it’s a sequel, I’m not that 22-year-old anymore and I’ve had this whole other life and so I can act that. Axel at 22 and Axel at 63? He’s a whole different person with the changes that he’s made in life and his relationship with his daughter, Jane. That is the emotional hook that you need for these movies. For Axel to get involved, he’s got skin in the game. All that stuff is on paper first and then I go to the set and do it,” Murphy said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Star.
Murphy explained that it was straightforward to get back into character on the new movie — which is being released on Netflix next month — and thinks that the flick will appeal to those who loved the old Beverly Hills Cop films.
“I don’t look at it like, ‘Oh, I’m reliving it and I have to get back into it.’ I’ve played the character several times already, so I know him,” the Coming to America actor said.
“Axel’s not a kid anymore, it’s not his first time in Beverly Hills. At this point, he’s been there many times, has friends there and has seen the crazy stuff that’s in the city. He’s not taken by surprise,” Murphy added.
“Anyone that saw the original Beverly Hills Cop, you’re going to love this movie. And even if you haven’t seen it, this movie stands by itself and you can jump right into it.” Netflix is set to release the new movie next month and Murphy is confident fans old and new will find something to enjoy.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fresh face to the chaos of Beverly Hills, prepare for a wild ride with a slightly older, possibly wiser, but definitely still sharp-tongued Axel Foley.
