Beverly Hills Cop, released in 1985, features Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop investigating a friend’s murder linked to a drug ring. The film’s origins trace back to ideas from Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, evolving from a serious narrative to a comedic police story. Initially, Sylvester Stallone was set to star, but after his departure, Murphy took on the role, leading to a box office success that redefined the cop film genre and cemented its status as a classic.
Introduction to Beverly Hills Cop
Released in 1985 in France, the iconic film Beverly Hills Cop stars Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a Detroit police lieutenant. Foley travels to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of a friend connected to the criminal underworld. His quest quickly reveals an extensive drug trafficking operation controlled by a powerful businessman.
The Genesis of a Classic
The concept of Beverly Hills Cop originated in 1977, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer recounting different versions of its inception. One tale suggests that Michael Eisner conceived the idea after contacting the Beverly Hills police during a suspected burglary at his home, who arrived within two minutes.
Don Simpson provides a different perspective, claiming the idea struck him after being stopped by Beverly Hills police while driving. This prompted the producers to enlist screenwriter Danilo Bach, who crafted a script that would eventually be presented to Bruckheimer, Eisner, and Simpson.
After four years of waiting, in 1981, Bach received feedback on his script, leading to the production’s launch. Mickey Rourke was initially signed for a hefty $400,000 contract to ensure his availability, but the script underwent revisions by Daniel Petrie Jr., steering it toward a comedic police narrative.
The Casting Journey
As time progressed, the film’s development faced delays, causing Rourke’s contract to expire. At this juncture, Eddie Murphy met with Bruckheimer and Simpson, who were eager to cast him as Foley. However, the role had been offered to Sylvester Stallone, a global superstar following the success of Rocky and Rambo.
Bruckheimer noted that Paramount initially doubted Stallone would embrace the comedic elements of the script. Surprisingly, he agreed but sought to rewrite his character, introducing a new name: Axel Cobretti, and incorporating numerous action sequences into the narrative.
As a result, the budget soared from $14 million to $20 million. Concerned about the escalating costs, producers Diller, Bruckheimer, Simpson, and Eisner convened to address the situation, ultimately deciding to recast the role.
Stallone gracefully exited the project, taking with him many of his ideas, which would later be adapted into his film Cobra, released in 1986. With Stallone’s departure, the focus shifted back to a comedic police film just two weeks before shooting was set to begin. Paramount then approached Murphy again, who was still available and ready to embody the charismatic Axel Foley.
The Legacy of Beverly Hills Cop
The film became a defining moment in Murphy’s career, propelling him into the realm of global superstars. With a remarkable box office performance exceeding $300 million worldwide (nearly 3 million admissions in France), Beverly Hills Cop established itself as a cult classic, influencing the genre of comedic action films.
“Beverly Hills Cop changed the landscape of cop movies. Before it, characters were serious like Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood. After this film, humor became a staple in cop narratives, inspiring countless films that followed,” Eddie Murphy remarked on its impact.
And indeed, the trilogy left its mark, as illustrated by Michel & Michel’s review of Axel Foley’s enduring legacy!