Close to 30 years and however many story revisions later, Beverly Hills Cop 4 – official title Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley – is finally going ahead with Netflix.
The long-awaited fourth instalment hails the return of franchise star Eddie Murphy as Detroit-based Detective Axel Foley, who is apparently being paid US$15 million (AU$21.8 million) upfront for his troubles on top of whatever he’ll pocket from a backend deal.
The comedian turned actor is set to be joined by Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Murphy has also signed on to produce alongside the legendary Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman of Jerry Bruckheimer Films.
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In terms of the screenplay and director, as you can imagine, the project has experienced quite an evolution. Initially, it was to be helmed by Eddie Murphy’s own production company. Then, it was to be directed by Brett Ratner of Rush Hour fame with scribes Andre Nemec & Josh Appelbaum (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol) attached.
Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah of Bad Boys For Life fame were tapped to replace Ratner a few years later with Tom Hardy and Channing Tatum being eyed for supporting roles. Which would’ve been… something.
As of now, Beverly Hills Cop 4 will be directed by Australia’s own Mark Molloy with Will Beall (Gangster Squad, CBS’ Training Day series) onboard to pen the script. Plot details, however, have yet to be disclosed. As is further casting beyond Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Taylour Paige.
According to Jerry Bruckheimer, Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop 4 – otherwise known as Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley – is scheduled to begin production in the coming months (keep an eye out here for the release date and trailer).
