Eddie Murphy streaming comedies and box office choices remain under the spotlight as the renowned comedian continues to favor digital premieres over theatrical risks, a trend persisting in 2025. Instead of returning to cinemas, Murphy’s latest films reliably find homes on major streaming platforms, shaping both his career and the viewing habits of his audience.
Murphy’s Recent Films Anchor The Streaming Trend
Over the past several years, Eddie Murphy has released a steady stream of comedies directly to online viewers. “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” premiered on Netflix in 2024, following “Candy Cane Lane” on Prime Video in 2023 and “You People” the same year, also on Netflix. “Coming 2 America” debuted through Prime Video in 2021, while “Dolemite Is My Name” reached audiences via Netflix back in 2019. Even earlier, 2016’s “Mr. Church” bypassed traditional cinemas to appear straight-to-VOD. Each project reflects Murphy’s ongoing commitment to streaming over theatrical releases.
Steering Away from Theatrical Risk After Past Box Office Setbacks
The decision to prioritize streaming opportunities seems rooted in Murphy’s experiences with a series of critical and commercial failures in the late 2000s and early 2010s, such as “A Thousand Words,” “Meet Dave,” and “Imagine That.” Apart from his success voicing Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise, Murphy’s last major cinematic draw was “Norbit” in 2007—a film that, despite high box office numbers, was widely panned. This pattern may have prompted Murphy to avoid the unpredictable nature of theater releases.
Comfort and Consistency in the Streaming Era
This new phase of Eddie Murphy’s career focuses on dependable streaming deals, offering significant paychecks without the volatility of the box office. Murphy seems content to produce accessible, light-hearted comedies tailored for streaming audiences. This business model suits both the star and modern viewers, who often select titles that are readily available on platforms they already subscribe to, reinforcing the success of watching movies at home.
A Look Ahead: The Pickup and Murphy’s Continued Approach
Murphy’s upcoming film, “The Pickup,” continues this pattern as he teams up with Pete Davidson in a buddy-comedy caper involving a pair of armored truck drivers. Keke Palmer joins the cast as a woman entangled with Davidson’s character, while Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, and Andrew Dice Clay round out the ensemble. The movie will debut on Prime Video on August 6, reflecting Murphy’s unwavering commitment to streaming premieres and digital audiences.
something to watch while playing Candy Crush
—mid‑August Prime Video filler
As streaming growth reshapes the industry, Eddie Murphy’s decision to avoid box office gambles demonstrates a calculated approach that protects his career and appeals to contemporary viewers. The release of “The Pickup” showcases Murphy’s continued pursuit of safe, lucrative streaming comedies and hints that his streak of digital-first films is far from over.