Eddie Murphy: The Legacy of Beverly Hills Cop and Black Cinema

As the highly anticipated ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ hits streaming platforms, it marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic original movie that Eddie Murphy dubbed the first Black blockbuster. Murphy’s return as the wise-cracking Detroit cop Axel Foley creates a wave of nostalgia among fans, eager to see the Beverly Hills Cop legacy live on.

Originally released in 1984, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ made Eddie Murphy a household name and a darling of Paramount Pictures. It shattered barriers for Black cinema with Murphy’s portrayal of Axel Foley, a charismatic detective in a fish-out-of-water scenario in Beverly Hills.

Murphy’s early success with films like ’48 Hrs’ and ‘Trading Places’ set the stage for ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ a movie that redefined Hollywood’s perception of Black leading men. Paramount’s infatuation with Murphy’s box office appeal underscored the industry’s discomfort in navigating Black stardom within mainstream films.

Following ‘Beverly Hills Cop 2’ in 1987, Murphy steered his career towards making films where Blackness was celebrated upfront. ‘Coming to America,’ ‘Harlem Nights,’ and ‘Boomerang’ showcased a deliberate shift towards centering Black narratives and characters, marking a milestone in Black cinema.

Eddie Murphy’s evolution as an actor in the ’90s saw him collaborating with a spectrum of Black talent, challenging Hollywood’s traditional norms. His journey reflected a deliberate pivot towards showcasing Black stories authentically and unapologetically onscreen.

The legacy of ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ as the first Black blockbuster paved the way for actors like Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Will Smith, and contemporary stars like Kevin Hart and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Murphy’s impact on Hollywood remains undeniable, with his influence resonating throughout the industry.

As ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ streams on Netflix, it not only celebrates Eddie Murphy’s storied career but also signifies a resurgence of iconic franchises. The film’s reception is a testament to Murphy’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact of ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ on Black cinema.