You’ve probably seen the "Black Mount Rushmore" photo. It’s that legendary shot of Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, and Wesley Snipes all grinning together at Tyler Perry Studios. It looks like a brotherhood. It looks like the ultimate Hollywood peak. But honestly, if you look closer at the history of these two icons, the relationship is way more complicated than just a friendly selfie on a movie lot.
There is a weird, unwritten rule in Hollywood: there can only be one "biggest" star at a time. For the better part of four decades, these two have been playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs with that title. While fans keep begging for a Bad Boys and Beverly Hills Cop crossover, the reality of their connection is built on a mix of idol worship, professional distance, and a few awkward public moments that almost broke the internet.
The Mentor-Idol Dynamic Nobody Talks About
Will Smith has never been shy about it. He treats Eddie Murphy like the North Star. When Will first landed in Los Angeles to film The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Eddie was already the undisputed king of the world. We’re talking Beverly Hills Cop and Raw levels of fame.
Will famously told Seth Meyers that whenever he sees Eddie, he goes into "full little boy" mode. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability for a guy like Will, who usually projects total confidence. He views Murphy as the "standard of excellence." Think about it—without Eddie Murphy proving that a Black lead could carry a global blockbuster in the '80s, there is no Independence Day or Men in Black for Will in the '90s.
But here’s the kicker: they aren't actually best friends.
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They are more like respectful rivals who share a very specific type of lonely air at the top. While they’ve crossed paths at events and shared that viral moment at Tyler Perry's studio (where Eddie was filming Coming 2 America and Will was doing Bad Boys for Life), they’ve never actually shared a screen in a movie. Not once. In an era where every franchise is trying to build a "multiverse," the absence of a Will Smith and Eddie Murphy collaboration feels like a massive missed opportunity.
That 2023 Golden Globes Joke
Things got a bit spicy in early 2023. Eddie Murphy was accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes. He’s up there, legendary as ever, giving advice to the new generation of actors. He gives three tips:
- Pay your taxes.
- Mind your business.
- Keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your mouth!
The room exploded. It was a direct reference to "The Slap" at the Oscars, and for a second, it felt like Eddie was taking a side.
Was it shade? Most people thought so. But Eddie later cleared the air, saying he has nothing but love for Will and Chris Rock. He basically said that as a comedian, you have to address the elephant in the room. You say the joke, you move on. Smith never publicly fired back, which is smart. You don't get into a roasting match with Eddie Murphy. That’s a fight nobody wins.
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The Crossover Rumors: Axel Foley Meets Mike Lowrey?
The internet has been obsessed with the idea of a "Bruckheimer-verse." Jerry Bruckheimer produced both Beverly Hills Cop and Bad Boys. It makes too much sense, right?
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the guys who directed the recent Bad Boys flicks, have openly talked about wanting to bring Axel Foley and Mike Lowrey together. They even mentioned that while filming Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Will Smith kept asking for a villain that felt like Victor Maitland from the original Beverly Hills Cop.
Why it hasn't happened yet:
- The Tone Gap: Bad Boys is high-octane, Michael Bay-style chaos. Beverly Hills Cop is a 1980s-style street-smart comedy. Blending those vibes is harder than it sounds.
- The Budget: Combining two of the highest-paid actors in history would cost a fortune before a single camera even starts rolling.
- Legacy: Both actors are currently in "legacy mode." Eddie just revived Axel Foley on Netflix with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and Will is keeping the Bad Boys train moving. They might be worried a crossover would feel like a gimmick.
By the Numbers: Who is Actually Bigger?
If we’re looking at career longevity, it’s a toss-up. Eddie had the most explosive start. From 1984 to 1990, he was arguably the biggest star on the planet, regardless of race. Then he pivoted to family movies like The Nutty Professor and the Shrek franchise, which minted billions.
Will Smith, on the other hand, had a streak of eight consecutive $100 million-plus domestic earners. That is a record that might never be broken. Even with the controversy surrounding his personal life in recent years, Will's movies still pull massive numbers. Bad Boys: Ride or Die proved that the "Will Smith brand" is still a box office draw, despite the "cancel culture" talk.
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The Reality of Their Influence
It’s easy to get caught up in the gossip or the "who's richer" debate. But the real story is how they changed the business.
Before Eddie, Black actors were often relegated to sidekick roles or "prestige" dramas. Eddie made the Black action-comedy lead a global commodity. Will took that blueprint and added the "Global Megastar" layer, becoming a hero that audiences in Tokyo, London, and Johannesburg would pay to see just as much as audiences in Atlanta.
What’s Next for the Duo?
As of early 2026, both actors are busier than ever. Eddie is leaning into his relationship with Amazon and Netflix, focusing on high-quality sequels and passion projects. Will is rebuilding his theatrical presence with a mix of action and "serious" dramas.
While there is no official word on a joint project, the door isn't closed. In Hollywood, money talks louder than anything else. If a studio can figure out how to put Will Smith and Eddie Murphy in a room together for two hours, it would be the biggest cultural event in years.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you're tracking the careers of these two or looking to understand their impact on the industry, here is what you should keep an eye on:
- Watch the Producers: Keep an eye on Jerry Bruckheimer’s upcoming slate. If a crossover happens, his name will be the first one attached.
- Streaming vs. Theatrical: Notice that Eddie has moved primarily to streaming (Netflix/Amazon), while Will is still fighting for the theatrical experience. This tells you a lot about their different career philosophies right now.
- Study the "Pivot": If you're a content creator, study how Eddie Murphy successfully transitioned from R-rated stand-up to "Family Man" to "Elder Statesman." It’s a masterclass in brand longevity.
Both men have survived the shifting sands of Hollywood for over 30 years. Whether they ever team up or keep operating in their own orbits, their fingerprints are all over every modern blockbuster you watch today.