Eddie Murphy Reflects on Missed Film Opportunities

During the promotion of his new Netflix documentary, *Being Eddie*, Eddie Murphy revealed three major films he regrets declining throughout his career. In an interview with the Associated Press, Murphy identified *Ghostbusters*, *Rush Hour*, and *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* as his "big three 'wish I would have done' movies." He acknowledged that these films became significant hits, with *Ghostbusters* grossing over $243 million domestically, *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* earning more than $156 million, and *Rush Hour* spawning two successful sequels.

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’Eddie Murphy reveals three movies that he wishes he hadn’t turned down

Murphy explained that his decision to pass on *Ghostbusters* was influenced by his choice to star in *Beverly Hills Cop* instead. He stated, “With *Ghostbusters*, I did *Beverly Hills Cop* instead. So, it was like, it was do this or that, so it worked out cool.” Regarding *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*, he initially found the concept "ridiculous," but later recognized its success, admitting, “I passed on it. And afterwards, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s f—ing amazing.’”

Eddie Murphy reveals three movies that he wishes he hadn’t turned down

His choice to decline *Rush Hour* was based on the contrasting nature of the two projects he was offered at the time. Murphy opted for *Holy Man*, which he described as a more relaxing production, stating, “They came to me, it was two scripts... This other [offer] was, ‘You in a robe in Miami’ — it was a no-brainer.” He later reflected on *Holy Man*, calling it “soft” and not a great film, contrasting it with the action-comedy dynamics of *Rush Hour*.

Eddie Murphy reveals three movies that he wishes he hadn’t turned down

Despite these missed opportunities, Murphy's career has remained robust. He has received acclaim for his performances in films such as *The Nutty Professor*, *Dr. Dolittle*, and *Dreamgirls*, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination. His documentary, *Being Eddie*, which covers his extensive career in comedy and film, was released on November 12, 2025.

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’

In discussing his regrets, Murphy emphasized the success of the films he turned down, stating, “They were huge giant hits, they were giant hit movies.” His reflections highlight a blend of nostalgia and acceptance regarding his career choices.

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’

• “Yeah, there [are] a couple of movies. Ghostbusters, I was supposed to do Ghostbusters. Didn’t do that. And Rush Hour. Didn’t do that. Oh, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Those are my big three ‘wish I would have done’ movies.” — Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’

• “Well, with Ghostbusters, I did Beverly Hills Cop instead. So, it was like, it was do this or that, so it worked out cool.” — Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’

• “It just sounded ridiculous to me, and I passed on it. And, afterwards, I was like, ‘Oh that’s f—ing amazing.’” — Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’

Murphy's candid reflections on his career choices provide insight into the complexities of decision-making in Hollywood, illustrating how even iconic actors navigate the landscape of film opportunities.

Eddie Murphy Regrets Not Doing 3 ‘Giant Hit Movies’