Eddie Murphy streaming comedies and box office choices are drawing attention as the comedian appears to have moved away from theatrical releases in favor of digital platforms. With his latest film, The Pickup, set to launch exclusively on Prime Video this August, fans and industry watchers are questioning if Murphy has decided that streaming success is preferable to testing his luck at cinemas.
Over the past several years, Eddie Murphy has consistently chosen streaming debuts for his new projects. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F was streamed on Netflix in 2024, Candy Cane Lane reached audiences on Prime Video in 2023, and You People also landed on Netflix that same year. Earlier, Coming 2 America premiered via Prime Video in 2021, Dolemite Is My Name was released on Netflix in 2019, and his indie drama Mr. Church bypassed theaters for a straight-to-VOD release in 2016.
This pattern may come as little surprise given Murphy’s cooling relationship with box office returns following a series of panned comedies in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Films such as A Thousand Words, Meet Dave, and Imagine That struggled both critically and commercially, with 2007’s Norbit marking his last major appearance as a box office draw, outside of animated projects like Shrek.
Rather than chase uncertain cinematic success, Murphy appears to have embraced a formula that prioritizes reliable pay over box office risk. His recent work consists of easy-watching, lighthearted comedies tailor-made for streaming subscriptions—a format that capitalizes on established audiences and low stakes. As noted in a recent observation:
something to watch while playing Candy Crush
—Source Attribution Not Provided.
New Film Follows Familiar Streaming Formula
The comedian’s latest venture, The Pickup, continues this trend. Partnering with Pete Davidson, who himself has not yet established a strong presence in theaters, Murphy stars in a buddy comedy about two armored truck drivers who are drawn into trouble by a character played by Keke Palmer. The plot leans into the casual, caper-driven style that streaming audiences have come to expect from Murphy in recent years.
The supporting cast also features Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, and Andrew Dice Clay, bringing together diverse personalities for a broad appeal. The film is scheduled to arrive on Prime Video on August 6, positioning itself as a late-summer entertainment option for subscribers already seeking readily accessible content.
Streaming Over Box Office: A New Career Chapter
For Murphy, relying on digital platforms may offer both financial security and creative freedom, sparing him from the volatility and public scrutiny of box office performance. While longtime fans may miss seeing his films in theaters, it appears that Murphy, along with his collaborators like Davidson and Palmer, is content to find audiences where they are most comfortable—on their screens at home.
As streaming continues to reshape how comedies are made and distributed, Murphy’s choices reflect a broader shift in the industry. With Eddie Murphy streaming comedies and box office choices at the forefront, it’s likely that other established stars may follow his lead if this model keeps delivering stable returns and audience engagement.
