With word of Netflix making some forward progress on a famously stalled project, perhaps we may finally see the fourth installment of Beverly Hills Cop. With newcomer Mark Molloy attached to direct, this could be Eddie Murphy's long-awaited comeback to the fish-out-of-water franchise that helped define the action-comedy hybrid. No word yet if Judge Reinhold could return or other franchise favorites like John Ashton or Bronson Pinchot.
A score by Harold Faltermeyer would be another hopeful addition to recapture the vibe of the previous movies and pop music montages that hopefully stay close enough to the franchise's 1980s sensibilities. Coming 2 America can easily serve as the benchmark for Eddie Murphy sequels arriving three decades after the fact. The cast and crew did an excellent job of recapturing the spirit of the 1988 seminal classic, originally directed by John Landis.
John Landis was also responsible for Beverly Hills Cop 3, the 1994 installment, which made some bold choices with the franchise's tone. While many of Landis's signature comedic styles are present in the movie, the amusement park setting and over-the-top antics may have thrown the balance a little too far into the comedic realm. Still, the film is fun and looked back at fondly as the slightly wackier of the three.
In contrast, the original two entries are distinctly '80s action vehicles, comparable to the Lethal Weapon or 48 Hours movies. The buddy cop formula was established well in this era and often included two-dimensional villains that are a joy to despise. The drama, action, and violence were always countered well by Murphy's levity and comedic timing. While there are no details on the plot for Beverly Hills Cop 4 yet, envisioning an older and wiser Axel Foley on screen is exciting, especially considering how well the actor has aged, still clearly having his charisma and wit intact.
Family Man Axel Foley?
A more mature Axel Foley could signal the spawning of a family. A pilot revolving around Axel Foley's son was apparently produced in 2013 but never aired. Whether the new movie will attempt to incorporate his offspring is unknown, but the concept could bring something fresh to the franchise. Speculation about Axel having climbed the ranks of the Detroit Police Department is also worth pondering. Part of the franchise's charm has always been the contrast between Detroit and Beverly Hills, so we will likely see another plot device that transports the Detroit cop back to the glitz and glamour of tinsel town.
Considering the political climate of 2022 vs. the 1980s, it will be interesting to see how a modern Beverly Hills Cop film makes commentary on issues of race and identity politics. The original movie certainly has elements of this, but they were always handled with subtly and humor. A modern entry may be tempted to get more heavy-handed with political undertones. As long as it serves the film's comedy, it could be exceptionally timely and hilarious to get Axel's take on the hyper politically correct era we find ourselves in.
Simply Evil Villains
Another signature element worth pondering is the villain component of the film. The original had ruthless drug dealers using the Beverly Hills art community as a front, run by Victor Maitland, played impeccably well by British actor Steven Berkoff, who also played a Russian villain in the Rambo and James Bond franchises. Zack, his right-hand man and ruthless assassin, was played by Jonathan Banks, famously known for his portrayal of Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad. Writers could conceivably trace Maitland's roots back to another relative or contact, similar to how Die Hard 3 found a connection to Hans Gruber's lineage. An actor of the late Alan Rickman's or Jeremy Irons' stature could also help elevate the production to another level. The sequel had Brigitte Nielsen and Jürgen Prochnow involved in an illegal arms deal with smash and grab robberies as a front to finance their criminal operation.
The first film, directed by Martin Brest, is a perfect blend of action and comedy. Tony Scott directed the sequel, which arguably has the reverse problem of the third movie, leaning too far into the drama and darker elements of the formula. The balancing act to pull off the right kind of vibe is clearly tricky, and with a newcomer directing the fourth film, it's a risky proposition to walk that fine line.
However, Netflix might be able to pull it off considering its progressive approach to feature film content. There is likely less pressure on a release date with the modern streaming service's programming strategy. The company, in theory, can take as much time as needed to get the film just right. If the script is good and the cast is solid, the team may be able to dodge the trappings that have plagued the development of the fourth installment.
Ultimately it comes down to Eddie Murphy getting behind the material and feeling good about the project. If his recent work like Dolemite Is My Name and Coming 2 America are any indicators, the comedy icon is on track to continue delivering high-quality cinema, like seeing a friend after thirty years and getting along great, as if no time has passed at all.