In a recent interview, Jonathan Banks, known for his roles in 'Better Call Saul' and the original 'Beverly Hills Cop,' opened up about his experience with the franchise and shared his thoughts on the subsequent sequels. Banks portrayed Zack, a bodyguard for the antagonist, in the 1984 action comedy that catapulted Eddie Murphy to stardom.
Reflecting on the first film, Banks praised director Martin Brest for creating a 'really good film' that captivated audiences. He acknowledged that his character met his demise in the first installment and candidly admitted to never watching the sequels. Banks believed that the original film's success stemmed from its originality and was wary that subsequent movies would not live up to the same standard.
The original 'Beverly Hills Cop,' released in 1984, enjoyed both critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $316 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing movie of that year. Its popularity led to the creation of two sequels in 1987 and 1994. However, as the franchise progressed, the reviews from critics declined, and box office numbers dwindled.
The first sequel, helmed by Tony Scott ('Top Gun'), almost matched the financial success of the original but received less favorable reviews, earning a 46% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the original's 83%. The third film in the franchise fared even worse, receiving a paltry 11% rating.
With the upcoming release of 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,' fans are eager to see if the franchise can regain its former glory. Eddie Murphy, who plays the iconic Axel Foley, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the third film and has previously been reluctant to participate in a fourth installment. Attempts at a TV spinoff centered around Axel's son also fell through due to Murphy's lack of interest in a regular role.
Despite these hurdles, the return of Murphy as the lead in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' has reignited hopes that the franchise can finally reverse its negative sequel streak. While it remains unclear if this new movie will lead to further expansions or remain a standalone installment, if successful, it could mark the beginning of a resurgence for the beloved series.
Drawing parallels to the 'Bad Boys' franchise, which found renewed success with the recent release of 'Bad Boys For Life' and the announcement of a fourth film, fans are optimistic that 'Beverly Hills Cop' can follow a similar trajectory. Whether the upcoming movie lives up to the original's legacy or not, fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting its release on Netflix on July 3.
The return of Axel Foley promises another thrilling adventure, and if the excitement and support surrounding this film are any indication, 'Beverly Hills Cop' may finally break free from its tumultuous sequel history.
