Honestly, for a long time, it felt like we’d lost the real Eddie Murphy. You know the one—the high-energy, fast-talking, slightly dangerous comedian who owned the '80s. Instead, we got a decade of family-friendly fluff and projects that just didn't land. But things have shifted. If you’ve been looking for new movies with Eddie Murphy, you’ve probably noticed he’s in the middle of a massive "renaissance" that is actually living up to the hype.
He isn't just making movies; he’s reclaiming his throne.
The Return of Axel Foley and the Netflix Era
The biggest news in the world of new movies with Eddie Murphy has to be Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Released on Netflix in mid-2024, this wasn't just another lazy cash-grab sequel. It felt right. Seeing Murphy back in that Detroit Lions jacket, driving through 90210 with that iconic theme music playing, reminded everyone why he was the biggest movie star on the planet.
The film did massive numbers for Netflix. It pulled in over 40 million views in its first five days alone. Critics were surprisingly kind, too, mostly because Murphy didn't try to play Axel like a twenty-year-old. He played him as a veteran cop who still has the fast-talking edge but feels the physical toll of jumping out of moving vehicles.
Why Axel F Worked
- The Chemistry: Bringing back Judge Reinhold and John Ashton was a stroke of genius.
- The Tone: It balanced the R-rated grit of the 1984 original with modern action.
- The Legacy: It effectively wiped the bad taste of Beverly Hills Cop III out of our collective mouths.
What’s Coming in 2025 and 2026?
If you think he’s slowing down after the success of Axel Foley, you’re wrong. Eddie’s slate for the next 18 months is packed with projects that range from heist comedies to iconic reboots.
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The Pickup (2025)
This is the one people are talking about right now. Starring alongside Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, The Pickup is a heist comedy directed by Tim Story. The plot follows a guy (Murphy) who gets caught up in a high-stakes robbery scheme after falling for a woman. It’s expected to hit Prime Video in 2025. This feels like a return to the "ensemble" energy he had in Tower Heist, but with a bit more of a romantic-thriller edge.
The Pink Panther Reboot
This is the big one. It’s a bold move. Murphy has officially confirmed he is taking over the role of Inspector Clouseau. Taking on a character made legendary by Peter Sellers is a massive risk, but if anyone has the slapstick timing to pull it off, it's Eddie.
He’s teased that his version of Clouseau will definitely be French, but he’s bringing a new perspective to it. He even hinted at the character potentially being Haitian. It’s a "live-action/CGI hybrid," meaning he’ll be interacting with a digital version of the actual animated Pink Panther. Sorta like Sonic the Hedgehog but with more "Does your dog bite?" jokes.
Shrek 5 and the Donkey Spinoff
The swamp is officially reopening. DreamWorks has locked in a July 1, 2026, release date for Shrek 5. Murphy already told Collider that he’s recorded the first act of the movie.
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But wait, there’s more.
Once Shrek 5 is out of the way, Donkey is finally getting his own solo movie. It makes sense. Donkey has always been the heart (and the mouth) of that franchise. Murphy seems genuinely excited about it, which is usually a good sign for the quality of the voice work.
The Projects Nobody Talks About
While the blockbusters get the headlines, there are a few "passion projects" in the works that show Murphy is still interested in the craft, not just the paycheck.
- The George Clinton Biopic: Murphy is set to play the Parliament-Funkadelic frontman. This is a dream role for him. He’s a huge music fan, and the transformation into the "Father of P-Funk" is going to be a visual trip. Bill Condon, who directed Murphy to an Oscar nomination in Dreamgirls, is attached to direct.
- Eddie (The Documentary): Netflix is reportedly working on a deep-dive documentary titled simply Eddie. It’s supposed to cover his 50-year career, including the SNL days and the stand-up specials that changed comedy forever.
- Blue Falcon: An action-comedy where Murphy plays a retired superspy who has to save his estranged son. Think Taken, but actually funny.
Is This the "Old" Eddie or Something New?
People always ask if we’re getting the "old Eddie Murphy" back. Honestly? We don't want the old one. We want this version. The 64-year-old Eddie is more disciplined. He isn't just shouting for the sake of shouting. In movies like Dolemite Is My Name, he showed a level of nuance we haven't seen in decades.
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He’s also being smarter about where his movies live. By partnering with Netflix and Amazon, he’s reaching a global audience instantly. You don't have to hope people show up to the theater on a Friday night; they’re already watching him on their couch.
What You Should Watch First
If you’re trying to catch up on the new movies with Eddie Murphy, don't just start anywhere. Follow this order to see the progression:
- Start with Dolemite Is My Name (2019): This was the turning point. It’s his best performance in 20 years.
- Watch Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024): To see him handle the action-star mantle again.
- Skip Candy Cane Lane: Unless you really love Hallmark-style Christmas movies. It’s okay, but it’s not "peak" Eddie.
- Keep an eye out for The Pickup trailer: It should be dropping soon, and it’ll give us the best look yet at his 2025 vibe.
The reality is that Eddie Murphy is in a rare position for a legendary comedian. He’s relevant again. He’s not a legacy act playing the hits; he’s actively building a new chapter that might just be as interesting as his first one.
Actionable Next Steps:
To stay ahead of the curve, set a Google Alert for "The Pickup release date" and "Shrek 5 casting," as more names are expected to join the swamp soon. If you haven't seen Axel F yet, it's currently streaming on Netflix and is the perfect weekend watch to get back into the Murphy groove.