Picture 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop and you’re likely to recall Eddie Murphy‘s iconic performance, catchy one-liners, and the infectious soundtrack that made it a comedy classic. But what if Sylvester Stallone had played Axel Foley instead? Before Murphy’s comedic genius shaped the film, Stallone was slated to star in a much different version—one that leaned heavily into action and drama.
In early 1984, the Beverly Hills Cop script by Daniel Petrie Jr. was reimagined by Stallone, who sought to transform it into a vehicle fitting his action-hero persona. His 115-page draft, submitted just two months before Murphy was cast, turned the comedy into a straight-up action flick. The changes were significant: Stallone’s version of Axel Foley was renamed Cobretti, a surname he later used in his 1986 film Cobra, which borrowed heavily from his Beverly Hills Cop draft.
Stallone’s script was more emotionally charged, with Axel’s motivation stemming from the murder of his brother Michael, rather than a childhood friend as seen in the final film. This alteration added emotional heft but reduced the comedic elements that would eventually define Beverly Hills Cop. Critics have noted that while Stallone’s version had solid structure, it lacked the humor that made the movie memorable. According to ScriptShadow, “While this script doesn’t work as well as the comedy version, it’s still solid. The structure is there. And while we don’t laugh as much, we’re more emotionally invested because of the slaughtering of his brother.”
The shift from action to comedy under Murphy’s portrayal was pivotal. Released on December 5, 1984, Beverly Hills Cop became a massive hit, grossing over $316 million worldwide and cementing its place in cinematic history. The film’s success was driven by Murphy’s charismatic performance and comedic timing, elements that Stallone’s dramatic take could not have provided.
In retrospect, while Stallone’s Beverly Hills Cop might have worked as a gritty action film, it’s doubtful it would have achieved the same cultural impact. The combination of humor, action, and Murphy’s star power created a timeless classic. Stallone’s draft remains a fascinating “what if” in Hollywood history, illustrating how different creative visions can lead to dramatically different outcomes.
What do you think of Stallone’s vision for Beverly Hills Cop? Would it have been as memorable, or did fate steer the film in the right direction? Check out the original script and share your thoughts!
