Once one of the most commercially viable genres in Hollywood, buddy cop movies have been lost into obscurity in recent years. Even an acclaimed gem like The Nice Guys failed to make it big in 2016. But the fourth installment in the beloved Eddie Murphy-led franchise, which defined the genre back in the ’80s, might be a return to form for buddy cops if Netflix gives it a theatrical window.
But even though Murphy is returning for the new Beverly Hills Cop after the IP was put on ice following the failure of the third movie, this might be the last time we witness him as Axel Foley. Considering Eddie Murphy had a hard time dealing with the action in the fourth movie as he isn’t in his 20s anymore, even suffering a back injury, this might be his swansong as Foley. And while a Beverly Hills Cop flick without the acclaimed comedian is hard to imagine, the actors listed below can be the perfect fit to carry the IP forward.
6 Actors That Can Play Axel Foley After Eddie Murphy
John Boyega
Known for playing the fan-favorite Finn in the sequel trilogy, John Boyega has expressed his want to do comedy, which was the major reason behind his decision to star in Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone. And considering he is 31 as of 2023, he seems like the perfect fit to play a younger Axel Foley.
Jamie Foxx
Boyega’s They Cloned Tyrone costar Jamie Foxx, while 56, is still efficient when it comes to action. Further following his versatile nature as an actor, who also bears impeccable comedic prowess, there is no reason why the Oscar winner can’t nail Axel Foley with the right material in hand.
Donald Glover
Most famous for his work in the landscape of music, Donald Glover’s skillsets aren’t only limited to the confinements of singing and rapping. Glover, who has proven himself to be a capable actor with his most notable work being Atlanta, too ticks all the boxes required to play Axel Foley.
Chris Rock
On paper, Chris Rock seems like the perfect man to carry his close friend’s legacy forward. Rock, who followed in Eddie Murphy‘s footsteps to become a huge name in the landscape of standup comedy, has proven to be a pretty good actor. But the only thing that might go against him is his age.
Michael B. Jordan
Probably one of the biggest actors to emerge from the last decade, it didn’t take Michael B. Jordan long to transition into a major name in the industry. And while Jordan is known for excelling in dramatic roles, it’s reasonable to assume he’d nail Axel Foley, thanks to his undeniable charisma and sheer talent.
Kevin Hart
This discussion can’t be wrapped without mentioning Kevin Hart, arguably one of the biggest draws in Hollywood right now. It’s not hard to see why Hart seems the perfect fit for a wisecracking lead in a Beverly Hills Cop movie, whose chemistry with his costars always makes up for an entertaining time.
Also read: “It just clicked”: The Candy Cane Lane Co-Star Eddie Murphy Clicked With the Most
Although there is doubt that the aforementioned actors would do a fine job if it ever comes to replacing Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, for now, fans don’t have to worry about it. With the fourth installment set to release after 30 years since the last Beverly Hills Cop entry, per Murphy, this will be something special that will be worth the decades-long wait.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley will premiere on Netflix in the summer of 2024.
