After years of mixed reception, Eddie Murphy’s infamous 2007 film Norbit is now available for streaming on Tubi, inviting viewers to revisit a pivotal moment in the comedy legend’s career. The addition of Eddie Murphy Norbit Tubi streaming to the platform comes as Tubi updates its comedy lineup for November, bringing renewed attention to a movie that played a significant role in Murphy’s acting hiatus.
Tubi Adds Norbit, Reflecting on Eddie Murphy’s Career Shifts
Known for his celebrated roles in films such as Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America, Eddie Murphy experienced both soaring successes and pronounced setbacks in Hollywood. Norbit stands out among the latter, a film that drew harsh criticism upon release, contributing to the actor’s decision to step back from the limelight in 2011. For almost a decade, Murphy limited his appearances, returning in force only with Dolemite Is My Name in 2019.
The early 2000s marked an especially difficult period for Murphy. Multiple critically panned comedies, including Norbit, led to multiple Razzie Award nominations—a record-setting five nominations for Murphy in a single year, of which he won three. This string of negative reviews and industry mockery deeply affected the actor, signaling a turning point in his career. In 2021, Murphy acknowledged the impact:
“maybe it’s time to take a break”
– Eddie Murphy, Actor
Alongside Norbit, other films like The Adventures of Pluto Nash and Meet Dave were also cited as reasons for Murphy’s temporary exit from major projects. Norbit, streaming on Tubi as of November 1, highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood success even for established stars.
The Critical and Cultural Backlash Surrounding Norbit
Norbit quickly became notorious for its poor reception, posting a dismal 9% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and cementing itself as one of Murphy’s lowest-rated works. The comedy was further skewered at the 2008 Golden Raspberry Awards, garnering nine nominations, including one for Worst Picture.
Central to the controversy was the film’s reliance on humor deemed by many as offensive and outdated, focusing on body shaming and reinforcing negative stereotypes. Eddie Murphy portrayed multiple characters, including Rasputia, a role that attracted particular criticism for perpetuating harmful tropes about both weight and the Black community. Beyond Murphy’s performances, Norbit was seen by many as squandering the talents of supporting actors Thandiwe Newton and Cuba Gooding Jr., whose characters were limited in scope and depth.
Murphy has since reflected on this period, admitting the negative impact these projects had on his career and self-perception:
“I was making these s– movies.”
– Eddie Murphy, Actor
Murphy’s Perspective on Norbit’s Reputation
Despite the overwhelming negative publicity and Norbit’s role in his extended absence from acting, Eddie Murphy maintains a complicated affection for the film. In a recent interview with Complex’s Speedy Morman, Murphy shared his ongoing support for his work on Norbit and described his surprise at its hostile reception and the cascade of Razzie nominations. He explained:
“was like, ‘Come on now, s– ain’t that bad.’ They was just hatin’ on me.”
– Eddie Murphy, Actor
Murphy emphasized that Norbit, in his view, still holds comedic moments that resonate with him years later. He remarked:
“To this day, I like Norbit. There’s stuff in Norbit that makes me laugh,”
– Eddie Murphy, Actor
Moreover, he identified other projects, such as Holy Man from 1998 and Pluto Nash from 2002, as his personal least favorites on his filmography, distinguishing Norbit in a more favorable light than critics and audiences generally do.
Comedy Selections Expanding on Tubi
While the Norbit streaming release on Tubi draws attention, the free platform has broadened its selection of comedic titles for those seeking different viewing experiences. November additions include Dinner For Smucks, Hot Tub Time Machine, Maid in Manhattan, and Think Like a Man, which each provide varied takes on humor for diverse audiences. Tubi is also set to welcome Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Wolf Of Wall Street starting next month, offering a robust assortment for comedy fans.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Conversation Around Murphy’s Work
Norbit’s reemergence via Tubi’s streaming catalog places both the film and Eddie Murphy’s career decisions back into the spotlight. As more viewers are exposed to the film in a new context, it raises questions about evolving standards in comedy and the degree to which controversial works can—or should—be reconsidered over time. For Murphy, the release serves as a reminder of how public and critical reception can profoundly influence creative trajectories, while Tubi benefits from the renewed dialogue and engagement around its growing comedy library. This streaming comeback reflects the ongoing complexities of Hollywood stardom and the unpredictable legacy of its most polarizing films.
