Eddie Murphy, a name synonymous with side-splitting comedy, unforgettable characters, and a magnetic screen presence, has truly cemented his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most bankable and beloved actors. From his early days on the stand-up circuit to becoming a Saturday Night Live sensation and then a global movie star, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s given us countless classic performances, making us laugh, cheer, and sometimes even shed a tear with his incredible versatility. But here’s a little secret about the glitzy world of Hollywood: for every blockbuster role an actor takes, there are often many, many more they pass on. Even for a legend like Eddie Murphy, whose career is a tapestry of triumphs, there are a fascinating number of ‘what if’ scenarios lurking in the annals of cinema history.
It’s almost hard to imagine some of our favorite films without the actors who ultimately brought those iconic characters to life, right? Yet, it’s true that some of the most memorable movies could have looked incredibly different if a certain comedic genius had said ‘yes’ instead of ‘no.’ We’re talking about roles that were either developed with him in mind, major franchise opportunities, or genre-bending experiments that went on to become smash hits with other stars. These aren’t just minor parts; these are some seriously wild, iconic opportunities that Eddie Murphy chose to let slip through his fingers for a plethora of reasons – sometimes for scheduling conflicts, sometimes due to creative differences, and sometimes because a project just sounded like “bulls***” at the time.
So, buckle up, movie buffs! We’re about to take a deep dive into the fascinating parallel universe of Eddie Murphy’s career, shining a spotlight on some of the wildest roles he turned down. Get ready to explore the decisions, the regrets, and the epic stories behind these almost-happened moments that continue to spark conversation among fans and film historians alike. You might just be surprised by what could have been!
1. **Who Framed Roger Rabbit** Let’s kick things off with perhaps Eddie Murphy’s single biggest regret, a film that not only became a monumental hit but also forever changed the landscape of animation and live-action filmmaking: 1988’s groundbreaking ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit.’ It’s a classic that stands the test of time, an innovative noir-comedy that seamlessly blended two worlds in a way no one had quite seen before. Yet, back in the late ’80s, when Murphy was at the peak of his rising star power, he famously passed on playing the lead role of hard-boiled private detective Eddie Valiant, a part that ultimately went to the late, great Bob Hoskins.
Why did he turn down such a revolutionary project, you ask? Murphy himself revealed the straightforward, almost hilariously blunt reason on ‘The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.’ He told a rapt Jimmy, “The only movie I ever turned down that became a big hit was Who Framed Roger Rabbit…I was going to be the Bob Hoskins dude.” He then explained his initial skepticism, saying, “I was like, ‘What? Animation and people? That sound like bulls— to me!’” Oh, how times change! His perception of the film’s revolutionary mixture of live-action actors with cartoon characters ultimately scared him away, a decision he has openly kicked himself for ever since.
Fast forward to today, and Murphy’s feelings on the matter are crystal clear. “Now every time I see it, I feel like an idiot,” he admitted, a sentiment he reiterated multiple times over the years. And who can blame him? The Robert Zemeckis-directed film, budgeted at just over $50 million, was the most expensive animated film of its time, but it paid off in spades. It went on to gross nearly $330 million at the box office, took home four Academy Awards for its groundbreaking visual and sound effects, and currently boasts a stellar 97 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a testament to the film’s enduring quality and impact.
Interestingly, Murphy wasn’t the only star considered for the role before Hoskins. Harrison Ford was reportedly the first choice, though his price was deemed too high. Even Bill Murray missed out because producers couldn’t get in touch with him in time, a quirky consequence of his famous lack of an agent or manager. But it’s Murphy’s specific regret that resonates because of his candid admission and the sheer magnitude of the film’s success. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most brilliant minds can occasionally misjudge a project’s potential.
One can’t help but wonder about the ‘what if’ of Eddie Murphy stepping into Eddie Valiant’s shoes. While it’s hard to picture the film without Bob Hoskins’ iconic portrayal, the idea of Murphy lending his voice to the hapless Roger Rabbit himself is an even more tantalizing thought. Given his phenomenal success voicing animated characters like Mushu in ‘Mulan’ and the beloved Donkey in ‘Shrek,’ it’s clear Murphy has a unique talent for bringing animated personalities to life. Perhaps, as the context suggests, he would have been brilliant as Roger Rabbit, adding another layer of comedic genius to a film already overflowing with it.
Read more about: The Uncanny Valley Unveiled: 9 Actors So Convincing You Forgot They Weren’t Their Character
2. **Ghostbusters** Before ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ became his greatest regret, Eddie Murphy had another significant ‘almost’ moment with an even earlier, equally iconic film: the original 1984 paranormal comedy classic, ‘Ghostbusters.’ This was a role that came directly from a friend and fellow comedic powerhouse, Dan Aykroyd, who co-screenwrote and starred in the movie. It’s a tale that perfectly illustrates how an actor’s busy schedule can sometimes reroute the course of cinematic history.
Aykroyd approached Murphy about the film while they were both working on the set of ‘Trading Places,’ a hugely successful collaboration between the two. However, Murphy’s initial reaction was less than enthusiastic. He famously told Extra that at the time, the idea of a ghost flick “sounds like a crock … to me.” It’s a quote that now, in hindsight, seems almost comical given the film’s monumental success and enduring pop culture status.
But the real reason Murphy didn’t suit up with the proton pack wasn’t just a dismissive opinion; it was a matter of timing and conflicting commitments. In a 2019 interview with Jimmy Fallon, Murphy clarified the situation, explaining, “Because I did Beverly Hills Cop.” He added, “It wasn’t like I turned it down in as much as I wasn’t available because I was doing this other movie.” This ‘other movie,’ of course, was ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ a film that would solidify his status as a leading action-comedy star and become one of his most defining roles.
Murphy was actually considered for the role of Winston Zeddemore, a part that ultimately went to Ernie Hudson. What makes this even more interesting is that, according to Vulture, when Murphy was being considered, the part of Winston was intended to have significantly more screentime and be a more central character than it eventually became. This suggests that Aykroyd and Harold Ramis had a vision for Murphy that would have integrated his unique comedic style much more prominently into the Ghostbusters team.
The simultaneous release of these two monumental films – ‘Ghostbusters’ becoming a massive cultural phenomenon and ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ launching Murphy into a new stratosphere of stardom – really highlights a fascinating fork in his career path. Both films were massive successes, and it’s hard to argue that Murphy made a ‘wrong’ choice, as ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ was undeniably a perfect vehicle for his talents at that time. Still, the thought of his unparalleled energy and wit joining the original Ghostbusters team remains a tantalizing ‘what if’ for fans.
Read more about: Unforgettable Icons: 14 Actors So Perfectly Cast, You Can’t Imagine Anyone Else in Their Legendary Roles
3. **Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home** Here’s a fun fact about Eddie Murphy: he’s a massive ‘Star Trek’ fan! It’s not a secret, and he harbored a genuine desire to be in one of the iconic movies. So, when the opportunity arose for him to potentially join the cast of 1986’s ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,’ it seemed like a match made in a galaxy far, far away (or rather, the Milky Way). This particular ‘almost’ story is filled with intriguing conversations, creative differences, and a legendary figure like Leonard Nimoy himself.
In a 2008 interview, Leonard Nimoy, who directed ‘Star Trek IV,’ confirmed that he had indeed spoken with Murphy about his potential involvement. The initial push came from studio head Jeff Katzenberg, who called Nimoy with a truly memorable pitch. Nimoy recalled Katzenberg’s words specifically: “I have either the best idea in the world or the worst idea in the world, Eddie Murphy said he would kill to be in a Star Trek movie.’ And I said, ‘I think you are right it is either the best or worst idea in the world.” The sheer dichotomy of that statement perfectly captures the innovative, yet potentially risky, nature of bringing Murphy into the Star Trek universe.
Nimoy, ever the thoughtful and professional artist, approached the situation with caution and respect. He held several meetings with Murphy, laying out a clear framework for their potential collaboration. “I said to him: ‘We are very flattered you want to be in a Star Trek movie, we admire you, you admire us, neither of us want to do any harm to each other, so we will work on a script. So if we could develop a script that would work we would do it, and if not we will say thank you to each other and let it go.’” This approach speaks volumes about Nimoy’s dedication to the integrity of the franchise and his respect for Murphy’s talent.
Ultimately, creative visions diverged. Murphy revealed on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ why he eventually left the project: “You know which one it was, it was the one where they go to San Francisco and they get the whales… I was going to be the one that they met when they got to San Francisco, and I was like, ‘No, I want to go and beam up and be on the ship,’ so I didn’t do it.” He further detailed the kind of role they had in mind for him, adding, “They had me, like, talking jive to Spock in San Francisco.” It seems Murphy’s love for ‘Star Trek’ meant he wanted the full warp-speed, beaming-up experience, not just a terrestrial cameo.
Instead of ‘Star Trek IV,’ Murphy ended up doing 1986’s ‘The Golden Child’ that year. Nimoy later added that he thought Murphy “said later that he wished he would have done the Star Trek movie.” It’s a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural impact of ‘Star Trek IV,’ a film that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. While ‘The Golden Child’ had its moments, it never quite reached the iconic status of the Enterprise’s whale-saving adventure. It just goes to show, sometimes even our heroes have a touch of regret about the paths not taken.
Read more about: Why a Jean-Luc Picard Movie Is the Star Trek Film We Need, Not Star Trek 4
4. **Rush Hour** Fast forward to the late 90s, and Eddie Murphy had another big-budget, action-comedy opportunity come his way that would go on to become a wildly successful franchise: 1998’s ‘Rush Hour.’ Picture this: Eddie Murphy alongside the legendary Jackie Chan, delivering a powerhouse performance in what became a beloved buddy-cop classic. It almost happened, but once again, Murphy chose a different path, a decision he’d later reflect on with his signature blend of humor and a hint of self-awareness.
Murphy was offered the role of Detective James Carter, the fast-talking, charismatic LAPD officer who ultimately became a career-defining character for Chris Tucker. The idea of him playing opposite Jackie Chan’s Detective Lee in Brett Ratner’s action-comedy sounds like an absolute dream team on paper, a comedic and martial arts pairing that could have been explosive. The context for this film presented a clear choice, a fork in the road for Murphy’s filmography.
However, Murphy turned down ‘Rush Hour’ in favor of another 1998 film: the comedy-drama ‘Holy Man.’ In ‘Holy Man,’ he played a TV preacher opposite Jeff Goldblum, who portrayed a home shopping network executive. The premise was certainly different from the high-octane, globe-trotting antics of ‘Rush Hour,’ offering a more introspective and perhaps character-driven comedic role. It was a choice that highlights the diverse range of projects Murphy was considering at the peak of his career.
Murphy himself provided a classic, candid explanation for his decision in a 2003 interview with Extra. He put it in terms only he could, saying, “It’s funny when I think of it now. It was like, ‘You can go jump all over California with Jackie Chan or go to Miami and wear a robe for three months.’ I went to Miami and you see the results.” That quote perfectly encapsulates the contrasting efforts and experiences each role likely promised. One involved physically demanding action and cross-cultural humor, while the other seemed to offer a more relaxed, perhaps less strenuous, filming experience.
And what were those “results”? While ‘Rush Hour’ launched a successful trilogy and became a cultural touchstone, ‘Holy Man’ was, regrettably, “critically reviled.” This stark contrast in outcomes provides a fascinating postscript to Murphy’s decision. While no actor can predict the future success of a film, this particular choice is often cited as one where Murphy opted for comfort over what proved to be a major box office and critical hit for others. It’s a prime example of how even the most experienced actors can make choices that, in hindsight, appear less than optimal, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Eddie Murphy’s legendary career.
Read more about: Cardi B’s Courtroom Masterclass: How Her Viral Testimony Redefined Celebrity Defense and Public Perception
5. **Malcolm X**Talk about a profound fork in the road! Eddie Murphy, a comedic titan, almost veered into seriously dramatic territory with a version of the iconic ‘Malcolm X’ film. This wasn’t just any role; it was a potential portrayal of Alex Haley, the author of ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X.’ Imagine the buzz, the speculation, the sheer shift in public perception for an actor so deeply embedded in the world of laughter and action-comedy. It truly makes you wonder about the parallel universes of Hollywood casting, doesn’t it?
This wasn’t a quick decision; ‘Malcolm X’ had been circulating through Hollywood for two decades, a testament to its challenging journey to the big screen. Over those years, a parade of talent, from directors like Sidney Lumet and Norman Jewison to screenwriters like David Mamet, had been attached to various iterations. Even fellow comedic legend Richard Pryor was once involved, showing just how many creative minds grappled with bringing this powerful story to life. Eventually, the project found its definitive vision with director Spike Lee and star Denzel Washington in 1992, becoming the cinematic masterpiece we know today.
But what truly swayed Murphy away from this significant dramatic turn? It turns out the deciding factor came from a Hollywood icon himself: Sidney Poitier. In a fascinating revelation shared in the Apple TV+ documentary ‘Number One on the Call Sheet,’ Murphy recounted a pointed conversation. Poitier, with his distinct Bahamian accent, looked at Murphy and said, “You are not Denzel, and you are not Morgan. You are a breath of fresh air. And don’t f*** with that.” Poitier’s message was clear: stick to what makes you unique and don’t try to be someone else.
This advice was a game-changer for Murphy, who had initially asked Poitier for his thoughts on playing Alex Haley. Poitier’s words, whether intended as an “insult or a compliment,” as Murphy mused, certainly resonated deeply. It steered him away from this dramatic role, reinforcing his commitment to the comedy genre where he had already achieved so much. While Murphy did later receive an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 2006 musical drama ‘Dreamgirls,’ his career largely remained true to Poitier’s counsel, keeping his brand of “breath of fresh air” comedy vibrant and distinct.
It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best career advice comes from unexpected places and focuses not on what you *could* do, but on what you *should* do to stay authentic to your unique talent. While Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X was undeniably iconic, Murphy’s near-involvement adds another intriguing layer to the complex history of this film and the fascinating decisions that shaped Eddie Murphy’s legendary career. Who knows how different his path might have been without that legendary chat?
Read more about: Cardi B’s Courtroom Masterclass: How Her Viral Testimony Redefined Celebrity Defense and Public Perception
6. **Dirty Rotten Scoundrels**Next up, let’s talk about a classic con-artist caper that almost had an entirely different comedic duo at its heart: ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.’ This gem, a remake of the 1964 film ‘Bedtime Story,’ follows two smooth-talking swindlers competing to fleece wealthy women. Picture the possibilities! The quick wit, the sharp dialogue, the intricate schemes – it sounds like prime territory for Eddie Murphy, doesn’t it? And for a brief moment, it very nearly was.
Turns out, Murphy was quite keen on the project. According to screenwriter Dale Launer, Murphy had actually seen the original ‘Bedtime Story’ and expressed a real desire to do the remake. Even director Michael Ritchie, who had previously worked with Murphy on ‘The Golden Child’ in 1986, was on board. With such a strong team forming, Launer confidently took the script to Paramount, expecting a green light. But in a surprising twist that Hollywood often delivers, Paramount passed on the project! Can you believe it?
After Paramount’s unexpected rejection, Murphy eventually left the project. ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ continued its development journey for many more months, navigating the unpredictable waters of studio interest. Eventually, it landed at Orion Pictures, where a new, equally iconic comedic pairing brought it to life. Steve Martin stepped into the role originally envisioned for Marlon Brando, and the incomparable Michael Caine took on David Niven’s part. Their chemistry became legendary, creating a film that is still adored by fans today.
It’s one of those scenarios where the stars just didn’t align for Eddie, despite his initial enthusiasm and the involvement of a director he knew. Sometimes, even when an actor is genuinely interested and the creative forces seem to be coalescing, the business side of Hollywood throws a curveball. While we can certainly appreciate the brilliance that Martin and Caine brought to ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,’ it’s still fun to imagine the unique comedic energy Murphy would have injected into that world of high-stakes trickery. It would have been a different film, for sure, but undeniably entertaining in its own right!
This ‘almost’ moment for Murphy just goes to show how many factors play into a movie getting made. It highlights how a project can evolve dramatically from its initial conception. It’s a testament to the resilience of creative ideas that ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ eventually found its way to the screen, even if it meant a different set of stars bringing the laughs and the cons.
7. **Daddy Day Camp**Remember ‘Daddy Day Care,’ the charming 2003 family comedy where Eddie Murphy played Charlie Hinton? He was an out-of-work dad who opened a daycare with his friend Phil, and it was a hit! Naturally, Hollywood being Hollywood, a sequel was soon in the works. The plan was clear: get Eddie back as Charlie for ‘Daddy Day Camp.’ It seemed like a no-brainer, right? Who wouldn’t want more of that heartwarming, hilarious chaos with Murphy at the helm?
Well, as it turns out, not Eddie Murphy himself. While the script for ‘Daddy Day Camp’ was being developed, Murphy had not yet officially signed on to reprise his role. In a move that often happens in the fast-paced world of film production, neither he nor his co-star Jeff Garlin ultimately ended up returning for the sequel. This left a pretty big void to fill, as their comedic dynamic was a major part of the original film’s appeal.
So, what happened when the original stars decided to step away? The roles were recast, with Cuba Gooding, Jr. taking over as Charlie and Paul Rae stepping in for Garlin’s character, Phil. Now, recasting beloved characters is always a risky move, and sometimes it pays off. But in this instance, the results were… well, let’s just say they were less than stellar. The film landed a truly dismal 1% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, a number so low it practically screams “avoid at all costs!”
While critics were definitely not impressed, the general public was a *little* more forgiving, with an audience score of 38%. Still, it’s a far cry from a resounding success. This particular ‘turned down’ role highlights a common challenge in franchise filmmaking: maintaining continuity and quality when key talent departs. It also provides a stark contrast to Murphy’s decision to do ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ over ‘Ghostbusters,’ where both films became smash hits. Here, his absence from the sequel seems to have been a wise move, whether intentional or not, for his career’s critical standing.
It’s easy to look back and say, “Good call, Eddie!” But it also speaks to the many layers of decision-making that go into an actor’s career. Sometimes, it’s about avoiding a project that simply doesn’t feel right, even if it’s a sequel to a previous success. For fans of ‘Daddy Day Care,’ ‘Daddy Day Camp’ remains a curious ‘what if’ in terms of what Murphy might have brought to it. Perhaps it’s also a testament to his discerning eye for projects, even if he didn’t explicitly ‘turn it down’ for creative reasons.
Read more about: Beyond the Vows: 8 Famous Women Accused of Marrying for Money to Fuel Their Luxe Lifestyles
8. **Debunked: The Dark Knight Rises**Finally, let’s dive into a “wild role” that wasn’t really a role at all, but rather one of the juiciest (and ultimately, debunked) rumors to ever hit the internet: Eddie Murphy as The Riddler in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ This one blew up shortly after ‘The Dark Knight’ captivated audiences in 2008, with a British tabloid, The Sun, reporting the casting news. Imagine Eddie Murphy in Gotham, facing off against Christian Bale’s Batman! The internet, as you can imagine, went wild.
The rumor suggested that Murphy was in contention to play The Riddler in the third installment of Nolan’s gritty trilogy. This was a fan-casting dream for many, envisioning Murphy bringing his unique blend of charm and chaos to the iconic villain. However, as quickly as the rumor spread, it was shut down. Murphy’s own representatives swiftly told Access Hollywood that the report was “not true,” firmly squashing any hopes of an Eddie Murphy Riddler.
And if you needed more convincing, Murphy himself debunked the speculation with his signature humor. Appearing on ‘The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien in 2009,’ he quipped, “I heard that rumor as well. I don’t know anything about it. Whoever is really playing the Riddler is sitting home calling his agent, going: ‘We gotta have this rumor stopped.’” It was a classic Eddie Murphy moment, turning a wild rumor into a joke, showcasing his down-to-earth personality even amidst Hollywood’s rumor mill.
While Murphy wasn’t going to be Nolan’s Riddler, he did admit something fascinating during that same interview: he would love to be in a Batman movie at some point! He even joked about taking on lesser-known villains like “Egghead,” showing he’s clearly a fan of the Caped Crusader’s universe. We now know that Nolan’s trilogy ultimately featured Tom Hardy as Bane, not The Riddler. But The Riddler did make a triumphant return in Matt Reeves’s 2022 film ‘The Batman,’ with Paul Dano delivering a memorable performance.
So, while the dream of Eddie Murphy as The Riddler in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ was just that – a dream – it highlights how much speculation and excitement surrounds major film franchises. It also gives us a fun glimpse into Murphy’s own cinematic desires. Who knows, with new Batman iterations always on the horizon, maybe “Egghead” will get his day, and Eddie Murphy will finally get to step into Gotham. We can only hope!
**Conclusion**
And there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour through the fascinating “what ifs” and “almosts” of Eddie Murphy’s incredible career. From turning down animation to avoiding dramatic turns and even dodging a superhero rumor, these decisions, both intentional and circumstantial, have undeniably shaped the legend we know today. It’s a testament to his unique vision and sometimes, his uncanny ability to make a choice that, in hindsight, was absolutely spot-on. What a journey it’s been, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
