Eddie Murphy continues to support his 2007 comedy film Norbit, even though it ranks among his lowest-rated works on Rotten Tomatoes, holding a mere 9% approval. The film was released shortly after he received an Oscar nomination for his role in Dreamgirls alongside Beyoncé, which many speculate influenced the negative reception toward Norbit.
During a Complex interview, Murphy expressed fondness for Norbit, emphasizing that he co-wrote the movie with his brother Charlie Murphy and believes it contains overlooked humor. He highlighted the unfair criticism the film received, including multiple Razzie Awards targeted at his performances.
“Norbit came out right after I got that Oscar nomination. There were articles like, ‘How can he get an Oscar, he did this?’ They’re two different movies. I wrote ‘Norbit’ with my brother, Charlie [Murphy], and we think ‘Norbit’ is funny. Here’s the thing with ‘Norbit,’ it came out and they gave me a Razzie Award for worst actress, worst actor, and worst actor of the decade. And I was like, ‘Come on now, shit ain’t that bad.’” —Eddie Murphy, Actor and Comedian
Behind the Scenes and Audience Reception
Directed by Brian Robbins, Norbit features Murphy playing multiple roles, including Norbit himself, his domineering wife Rasputia, and the Chinese orphanage owner Mr. Hangten Wong—a character whose portrayal has been criticized for aging poorly. Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, Norbit achieved commercial success, grossing $159 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. This contrast suggests that the movie found a receptive audience, even if critical opinion was harsh.
Legacy and Continuing Appeal
While Norbit remains one of Murphy’s most controversial comedies, its financial success and fan base highlight the differing tastes between critics and general viewers. Murphy’s defense adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the film’s place in his career and comedy in general. For those interested in exploring comedies with a cult following, Norbit might be worth revisiting as a misunderstood piece of entertainment.
