Eddie Murphy recently reflected on his career and admitted he has a few regrets about movies he turned down. In an interview with The Associated Press, the comedian and actor, now 64, revealed that his biggest “wish I would have done” films are Ghostbusters, Rush Hour, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Murphy explained that these movies stood out to him because they became “huge giant hits.” For instance, Ghostbusters (1984) earned more than $243 million at the domestic box office and spawned a sequel, while Rush Hour and Who Framed Roger Rabbit also became major successes.
Murphy shared the reasons behind his decisions at the time: he chose Beverly Hills Cop over Ghostbusters, which worked out well for his own career. As for Who Framed Roger Rabbit, he thought the concept sounded “ridiculous” before seeing the finished film and realizing how impressive it was. Despite these regrets, Murphy’s career flourished with roles in classics such as The Nutty Professor, Dr. Dolittle, and his Oscar-nominated performance in Dreamgirls.
Murphy is now the subject of a new Netflix documentary, Being Eddie, chronicling his 50-year career in show business. Originally conceived as a project about his return to stand-up, the documentary shifted focus after the COVID-19 pandemic, which made Murphy reconsider live performances.
Among his most beloved roles is Donkey in the Shrek franchise, with a fifth movie scheduled for release in 2027. The upcoming film will see the return of Cameron Diaz and Mike Meyers, and will introduce Zendaya as one of Shrek and Fiona’s triplets. Murphy commented on the intense recording sessions for Donkey, noting the vocal demands and the satisfaction that comes from being part of a film that audiences appreciate. Reflecting on his career, Murphy emphasized the importance of enjoying the work and the fulfillment that comes from creating beloved movies.