Eddie Murphy Admits This Film ‘Sucked’
Eddie Murphy is currently reflecting on his impressive career through a new documentary titled “Being Eddie,” which debuted on Netflix on November 12. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he opens up about both the triumphs and challenges of his journey in Hollywood.
Eddie Murphy and John Landis: A Complicated History
Murphy discusses his past relationship with director John Landis, who directed two of his most notable films, “Trading Places” and “Coming to America.” The two had a tumultuous relationship, with some incidents escalating to perceived violence. However, Murphy expressed that these issues are long resolved. “That heat that I had with John Landis 35, 40 years ago, that’s so long ago,” he stated. He emphasized their friendship by pointing out their collaborative work on “Beverly Hills Cop III,” despite Murphy’s candid acknowledgment that “the movie sucked.”
A History of Discontent
The tension between Murphy and Landis gained public attention during the promotion of “Coming to America,” released in 1988. At a press conference, Murphy controversially remarked that “Vic Morrow has a better chance of working with Landis than I do.” This comment referenced Morrow, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on the set of “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” for which Landis was partially responsible. Although Landis was acquitted of manslaughter, his reputation suffered significantly.
- Film Debut: “Trading Places” (1983)
- Notable Release: “Coming to America” (1988)
- Controversial Incident: Vic Morrow’s death in 1982
- Acquittal: Landis found not guilty in 1986
Reflections on Friendship and Career
Speaking to Rolling Stone in 1989, Murphy shared that he had urged Landis to direct “Coming to America” to help rebuild the director’s flagging career. “I figured the guy was nice to me when I did ‘Trading Places,’ so I’d give him a shot,” Murphy explained. Despite past grievances, he believes Landis deserved another chance to regain credibility.
Murphy’s candid reflections reveal a deeper side of his life beyond the iconic comic persona. He stated, “The only time the audience usually sees me is if I’m promoting a movie. But in the documentary, this is me. This is my house, this is my family, and this is how I did it.” This personal glimpse into his life makes “Being Eddie” a significant watch for fans and followers.
Stars Join the Documentary
“Being Eddie” features appearances from various stars, including:
- Dave Chappelle
- Arsenio Hall
- Jamie Foxx
- Chris Rock
- Tracee Ellis Ross
With each of these figures contributing, the documentary showcases not only Murphy’s impact on comedy but also his relationships within the industry.