Eddie Murphy is back in action as the iconic Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” and it's already making waves. This long-awaited sequel has set a new 2024 record for Netflix, racking up a massive 41 million views within its first few days of release. This astonishing debut has outperformed the previous record-holder, “Damsel,” which garnered 35.3 million views.
Released on Netflix last week, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” reunites Murphy with Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood and John Ashton as John Taggart. The plot centers around Axel Foley, who teams up with his old pals to protect his daughter Jane, played by Taylour Paige, when her life is threatened. This blend of action, nostalgia, and fresh storylines has captivated audiences, leading to a 66% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The journey to this fourth installment has been a long one, with fans waiting since 1994 for a new chapter. Murphy recently shed light on the delays in an interview with ScreenRant, explaining that earlier scripts lacked evolution. “It was just: ‘Axel's coming back now, and he's on a new mission.' It was like: ‘Okay, now this has happened.'” The breakthrough came with the addition of deeper personal elements – Axel's estranged relationship with his daughter and his solitary dedication to his job.
This heartfelt backstory added depth to Axel's character, making his return to Beverly Hills more than just a typical cops-and-robbers tale. It's about reconciliation and personal growth, themes that resonate well with both new viewers and longtime fans of the series.
With its impressive debut, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is not just a testament to Eddie Murphy's enduring appeal but also a reminder of the timeless charm of well-crafted action-comedies. Whether you're a fan of the original trilogy or new to the franchise, this film offers a perfect blend of action, humor, and heart.
Catch “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” now streaming on Netflix and join the millions who have already been swept up in Axel Foley's latest adventure.
