Eddie Murphy’s career choices reveal why a massive opportunity slipped through his fingers when he declined an $850 million role due to reluctance to commit physically. During the late 1990s, Murphy’s reduced work ethic coincided with a notable decline in the quality and reception of his films, marking a turning point in his trajectory.
The Early Rise and Signature Style
Eddie Murphy rose to fame by taking on demanding roles, often portraying multiple characters within the same movie, as seen in his breakout performance in Coming to America. This approach reached its peak in The Nutty Professor, a film Murphy has consistently hailed as his finest work. His dedication in those years established him as a dominant comedic force with a unique style that captivated audiences.
The Shift in Commitment During the Late 1990s
By the late 1990s, signs of Murphy’s diminishing passion for his craft became evident. Films like Showtime, I Spy, Daddy Day Care, and The Haunted Mansion failed to impress critics or audiences, reflecting a period where Murphy seemed to be merely going through the motions. Though he garnered an Academy Award nomination for Dreamgirls and enjoyed the ongoing success of the Shrek series, these were exceptions in a general slide toward poorly received projects.
Missed Opportunity with a Blockbuster Role
Following the success of The Nutty Professor, Murphy experienced a resurgence with hits such as Dr. Dolittle and the underrated Bowfinger, demonstrating there was still considerable vitality in his career. Between these two films, he faced a pivotal choice: embrace a physically demanding action comedy or opt for an easier, less strenuous fish-out-of-water comedy. Murphy chose the latter.
Reflecting on this choice, Murphy told Complex,
“They came to me, it was two scripts. It was Rush Hour. ‘It’s going to be action-comedy, and you’re going to be with Jackie Chan, and it’s action, it’s summertime, running, all this physical stuff’. The other was, ‘You’re in a robe in Miami’. It was a no-brainer.”
Murphy declined the role of James Carter, the energetic LAPD cop alongside Jackie Chan in the 1998 hit Rush Hour, which grossed nearly $250 million domestically and eventually spawned a trilogy earning over $850 million worldwide. The part later helped co-star Chris Tucker earn over $50 million, highlighting the scale of the opportunity Murphy passed on.
The Choice of Holy Man and Its Fallout
Instead of embracing the Rush Hour role, Murphy starred in Stephen Herek’s Holy Man, a comedy that allowed a more relaxed performance. Murphy admitted,
“We went to Miami and made a horrendous film, but it was easy. I have to stop saying it was horrendous. The movie was soft; it wasn’t a great picture.”
The film’s failure was significant, recovering less than half its production budget at the box office, underscoring how Murphy’s preference for an easier role contributed to a disappointing outcome.
Impact on Career and Industry Perception
Murphy’s decision to avoid challenging, physically demanding roles during this crucial phase can be linked to the downturn in his career momentum. His involvement in underwhelming projects led to an association with many critically panned movies such as The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Meet Dave, and Imagine That. This accumulation of poor performances garnered Murphy substantial attention from the Razzie Awards, eventually prompting a step back from Hollywood.
Despite these setbacks, Murphy’s earlier work remains celebrated, and occasional comebacks prompt interest in whether he will regain the full vigor that once made him one of the industry’s top stars. His story serves as a cautionary example of how career choices, especially regarding commitment to demanding roles, can significantly influence longevity in entertainment.
