Beverly Hills Cop 5: Will It Happen? Everything We Know
It’s been over three decades since the last installment of the iconic action-comedy franchise, Beverly Hills Cop 3. Fans of Detective Axel Foley have been waiting patiently for a fifth film, and while there have been numerous rumors and announcements over the years, there’s still no concrete confirmation of a sequel. In this article, we’ll delve into everything we know about Beverly Hills Cop 5 and why it might finally happen.
The History of Beverly Hills Cop
The first Beverly Hills Cop, released in 1984, introduced us to Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy), a wisecracking, street-smart cop from Detroit who travels to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his partner. The film’s mix of humor, action, and memorable characters made it a massive hit, spawning two sequels and cementing Murphy’s status as a comedy superstar.
The franchise took a darker turn with Beverly Hills Cop 3 (1994), which received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Since then, there have been numerous attempts to revive the series, including a script by Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec that was rumored to be in development as early as 2010.
The Latest Developments
In 2018, Netflix acquired the rights to produce a fourth installment, which would have marked a comeback for the franchise after 25 years. Murphy himself was set to return, with the script reportedly tackling themes of police corruption and racial tension. However, the project ultimately stalled, and in 2020, Netflix announced that it would not be moving forward with the film.
That same year, Murphy reignited rumors of a new Beverly Hills Cop installment while promoting his Netflix film Coming 2 America. During an interview with Variety, he mentioned that he and his producing partner, Marc Gordon, were still keen on making another installment and were exploring options to do so.
Why It Might Happen
So, why is there hope for Beverly Hills Cop 5? For one, the franchise still maintains a dedicated fan base, with many enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next installment. Additionally, the current climate of nostalgia-driven sequels and revivals might provide an ideal opportunity for the franchise to return.
Furthermore, Eddie Murphy has been on a creative resurgence in recent years, with successful films like Dolemite Is My Name (2019) and Coming 2 America (2021) proving that he still has what it takes to bring memorable characters to life.
What We Want to See
If Beverly Hills Cop 5 does become a reality, here’s what fans would love to see:
- Axel Foley’s return: Murphy reprising his iconic role is a must.
- A fresh storyline: Move away from the formulaic "Axel investigates" approach and explore new themes and characters.
- More humor: The series’ trademark wit and sarcasm are essential to its success.
- High-octane action: The franchise’s signature car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and intense shootouts must make a comeback.
- Supporting cast returns: Fan-favorite characters like John Forsythe (Chief Hubbard), Judge Reinhold (Bill Rosewood), and Paul Reiser (Morty) would add continuity and depth to the film.
Conclusion
While there’s no concrete news on Beverly Hills Cop 5, the rumors, rumors, and rumors provide a glimmer of hope for fans. If executed correctly, a new installment could reignite the passion and excitement that defined the original trilogy. We can only hope that the film’s creators will learn from the past, incorporating modern themes and sensibilities while staying true to the series’ roots.