Eddie Murphy, the celebrated actor known for his impactful contributions to comedy films since the 1980s, openly shared which of his movies he considers his worst in a 2025 interview. Murphy singled out Holy Man and The Adventures of Pluto Nash as the two films he regrets the most, offering insight into his choices and career trajectory. His reflections reveal a more complicated relationship with his work, especially around the era when his name no longer guaranteed a hit.
Early Career Success Lost in Later Years
Unlike many actors who begin their careers with forgettable roles, Eddie Murphy launched into stardom with the 1982 hit 48 Hrs. and followed up with a series of classic comedies that defined the 1980s. However, as the decade ended and the 1990s unfolded, Murphy’s film quality became less consistent, with many of his movies receiving harsh criticism and losing audience favor. By the late 1990s, instead of being a marquee name synonymous with hits, Murphy occasionally became the subject of jokes concerning his film choices.
Why Murphy Chose Holy Man Over a Major Opportunity
In 2003, Murphy revealed that he was nearly cast as Carter in the 1998 hit Rush Hour, a role that ultimately went to Chris Tucker. The buddy action-comedy was a perfect fit for Murphy’s style; he had already earned a reputation as a master of the genre. However, Murphy opted to star in Holy Man instead, a decision motivated by the film’s simpler production demands and location.
Holy Man features Murphy as G, a mysterious and charismatic man who transforms the fortunes of a struggling home shopping channel by becoming their infomercial spokesperson, leading to skyrocketing sales. Murphy described the making of the film as far easier than the potential challenges of Rush Hour, both in script and shooting conditions, mentioning that filming in sunny Miami was an additional draw. His own words to Complex summed this up:
“It was a no brainer. And we went to Miami and made a horrendous film. But it was easy!”
—Eddie Murphy, Actor
The Heavy Impact and Personal Critique of The Adventures of Pluto Nash
This 2002 science fiction comedy marked an expensive failure, grossing less than $5 million domestically against its $100 million budget. Murphy played Pluto Nash, who fights to protect his lunar nightclub from gangsters. Though the film came out between his acclaimed performances in Shrek and Shrek 2, it stood out as one of the lowest points in his career, with critics and fans alike panning the movie.
While the critical and financial disappointment was significant, what affected Murphy most deeply was a candid comment from his young son. During an early viewing of the movie, Murphy recalled his son Myles bluntly calling the film “corny,” a moment that resonated emotionally with him. Murphy shared this with The New York Times:
“I remember the first time we watched ‘Pluto Nash,’ I had my son Myles with me. He was probably about eight,”
Murphy recalled.
“Myles is sitting there with me, and the movie’s all soft. Then at the end, it goes silent, and my little baby son goes, ‘Corny.’ That was challenging. Even the baby knows it’s corny.”
—Eddie Murphy, Actor
Reflecting on His Career Choices
Murphy’s acknowledgment of his worst films contrasts with his pride in other criticized projects like Norbit, where he finds value and humor despite negative reviews. This nuanced perspective indicates that Murphy evaluates his work on both artistic merit and personal enjoyment. His candid words about Holy Man and Pluto Nash reveal how some decisions, driven by convenience or misjudgment, can lead to lasting regrets.
For fans and observers of Murphy’s career, these admissions underscore how even iconic performers face challenges balancing opportunity and quality in Hollywood. While his early successes helped shape a generation of comedies, his later choices serve as a reminder that not every project hits the mark, even for stars of his caliber. Understanding these setbacks provides a fuller picture of Murphy’s enduring influence and his ongoing search for meaningful roles.
