Put aside parallel universes; Hollywood’s got a doozy: Sylvester Stallone as Axel Foley! Originally cast to lead the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, creative clashes led to Stallone’s exit. Thus, creating room for Murphy’s comedic genius and cultural phenomenon. 

As the story unfolds, it’s easy to imagine Stallone’s smoldering frustration with such a big opportunity slipping through his fingers. The intrigue deepens: how different would the film be if Stallone had been the one patrolling the streets of Beverly Hills?

Eddie Murphy Throws Shade at Stallone’s “Menacing” Beverly Hills Cop That Never Was

Think of a world where detective Axel Foley wouldn’t be a witty police officer in sunny California. Weird thought, right? Eddie Murphy can’t help but giggle at the alternate reality. In a YouTube interview with Jake’s Takes, Murphy jokes, alluding to Sylvester Stallone‘s image as an action hero:

Nothing like Axel Foley. ‘I’m going to put a banana in your tailpipe.’ He’d have been mean with it. It was like, ‘You’re going to follow me? I’m going to put a banana in your tailpipe.’ No funniness; It would have been menacing.

Believe it or not, Stallone came THIS close to portraying the legendary part. The screenplay? A dark, gritty action movie—a far cry from the Beverly Hills Cop (we all know and love). Stallone left due to creative differences, which allowed Murphy’s comic brilliance to take center stage.

Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Foley changed the movie to a T. Beverly Hills Cop was a box office hit thanks to Murphy’s magnetic combo of humor and action. But what about Stallone, though? Would the box office have failed to receive a Stallone-led Beverly Hills Cop? Did Hollywood escape a bullet or pass up a masterpiece of action?

Detective Murphy’s lighthearted barb alludes to the casting’s butterfly effect. One single choice can alter cinematic history. For Stallone, it’s an intriguing “what if.” For Murphy, it serves as a reminder that humor can be just as powerful as strength.

Now, speaking of actors with a magic touch, get ready to laugh your socks off because…

Eddie Murphy promises us ogre-sized laughter in 2025!

Ogre? Yup, it’s true! Get ready for more swamptacular adventures, because Shrek is officially back! In a recent interview, the voice behind our favorite witty donkey, Eddie Murphy, said that Shrek 5 is scheduled to hit theaters in 2025 (via Vulture).  

But wait, there’s still more! In a turn of events that would’ve even made Lord Farquaad envious, Murphy revealed that the makers are talking about a spin-off film featuring Mr. Donkey. However, he reassures supporters that the Donkey adventure will come a little later. “We’re doing Shrek first,” he continues, “then it’s all about Donkey’s big adventure.” So, after 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’s popularity, it’s pretty clear that the Shrek universe is very much alive and well. Get ready for a double dose of our ogre dude and his merry gang! 

Watch Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop franchise on Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV!