By He’s among the most prosperous film stars ever, yet even Eddie Murphy harbors some regrets regarding significant projects that he allowed to slip away. In a discussion with Associated Press, the leading actor of Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor referred to three films that were colossal successes individually, but could have potentially garnered even higher earnings at the box office had Murphy’s name adorned the promotional material.
“Ghostbusters, I was meant to take part in ‘Ghostbusters,’” Murphy disclosed, which would have completed writer and actor Dan Akroyd’s initial concept of enlisting a Saturday Night Live dream team, featuring the late John Belushi before his demise. “Didn’t participate in that, and Rush Hour. Did not partake in that. Oh, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Those are my top three ‘wish I would have accepted’ films.”
Undeniably, all three movies became monumental triumphs on their own, even in Murphy’s absence. His character in Rush Hour was taken on by Chris Tucker, portraying Detective Carter alongside Jackie Chan’s quick-tempered, out-of-place Chief Inspector Lee, a film that still amassed $245 million globally. The film also led to two sequels, and a fourth installment has been in the works for quite some time.
Regarding Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Bob Hoskins’ rough, irritable detective, compelled to team up with an animated rabbit, creates a delightful duo we never realized we needed. Aside from being a trailblazing entry in cinematic history for its visual effects, it’s an excellent viewing experience due to Hoskins’ exceptional straight-man portrayal. It’s the sort of role we might not have witnessed if Murphy had accepted it. Considering this, perhaps forgoing films like that wasn’t as detrimental.