I’m expecting Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley in Netflix’s “ Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” to bring in big numbers for Netflix. Early word is that this one is “watchable,” which is more than enough for the streamer’s subscribers.
Yes, Murphy is reprising his iconic movie character from the 1980s. It’s IP. There’s a large enough audience for this film that I’m actually surprised Netflix didn’t decide to give it a theatrical release. It’s also not shocking to learn that Murphy and Bruckheimer are already working on “Beverly Hills Cop 5.”
“They’re developing it,” Murphy tells Variety. “If it comes together, we’ll be doing another one.” Bruckheimer confirmed the news, adding, “We have a couple of stories in mind.”
‘Beverly Hills Cop 4’ played very well with test audiences. It test-screened in late April 2023 and again that summer. A few folks told me that it was the best ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ since the original. No, really, I’m serious, the reactions have been great. Of course, that doesn’t critics will be kind to the fourth film, not that their reviews matter all that much to the token Netflix subscriber.
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” is said to take a very nostalgic route, which makes sense, especially after the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” — the main actors are all back, the same exact score is used and it’s full of action.
The film is directed by Australian director Mark Molloy and stars Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kevin Bacon, Taylour Paige, Judge Reinhold, John Ahston, Paul Reiser and Bronson Pinchot.
Here’s the synopsis:
Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills once more after receiving a phone call from an old friend warning that his estranged daughter Jane might be in danger. Quickly making new enemies as he teams up with Jane and her ex, Detective Bobby Tapia, Axel finds himself caught up in a conspiracy stretching between deadly cartels, even the Beverly Hills Police.
It should be noted that the film actually wrapped production way back in October 31st, 2022. According to a mid-year report from The Ankler, it was supposed to be released in 2023. Not sure why Netflix decided to hold it back a full year like they did.