Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, two of comedy’s most beloved icons, may soon be sharing the screen again. At the recent premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” Murphy revealed that he has been working on an ambitious project involving Lawrence. This news comes as both actors are enjoying successful returns to their respective franchises, with Lawrence in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and Murphy in the new “Beverly Hills Cop” installment.
Murphy shared his excitement for the new project with Entertainment Tonight, comparing it to the classic 1963 film, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Known for its massive ensemble cast of comedic talent, the original film centered on a madcap treasure hunt involving a host of characters. Murphy’s vision is to recreate this cinematic gem with a contemporary twist, featuring a star-studded lineup of the funniest actors from the past three decades. Jez Butterworth, acclaimed for his work on screenplays like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Ford v. Ferrari,” is penning the script for this potential blockbuster.
Murphy’s idea promises to bring together a diverse cast of comedic heavyweights, reminiscent of the original’s all-star lineup, which included legends like Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, and Mickey Rooney. “Anybody that was funny over the last 30 years is going to be in this movie,” Murphy exclaimed, underscoring the scale and ambition of his vision. Given the duo’s previous collaborations in films like “Boomerang” (1992) and “Life” (1999), the prospect of Murphy and Lawrence headlining such a project has generated considerable buzz among fans and the entertainment industry alike.
Beyond their professional endeavors, Murphy and Lawrence share a personal connection through their children. Murphy’s son, Eric, and Lawrence’s daughter, Jasmin, have been dating for several years, prompting playful speculation about future wedding plans. When asked who might foot the bill for a potential wedding, Murphy jokingly deferred to Lawrence, citing the tradition that the bride’s father pays. “Martin has lots and lots of money, so he should be able to pay for a splendid wedding,” Murphy quipped, referring to Lawrence’s financial success following the blockbuster performance of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”
The affectionate banter between the two comedy legends highlights their longstanding friendship and mutual respect. Both Murphy and Lawrence have built illustrious careers marked by memorable performances and significant box office successes. Murphy, now 63, continues to captivate audiences with his roles and projects, while Lawrence’s recent films have reaffirmed his place as a formidable talent in Hollywood.
As fans eagerly await further details on Murphy’s planned remake of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” the anticipation for another collaboration between Murphy and Lawrence grows. Their combined star power and comedic genius are sure to make any project they undertake a must-see event. With Murphy’s vision and Butterworth’s writing, this film promises to be a spectacular addition to their impressive filmographies.
