Legendary actor Eddie Murphy has candidly shared that he declined several major roles that became cinematic milestones, shedding light on missed opportunities during a conversation with the Associated Press. These revelations highlight the fascinating accounts of Eddie Murphy missed movie roles, as he reflected on how different the landscape of blockbuster films might have looked.
Murphy Looks Back at Three Major Film Opportunities
Among the most prominent films Murphy turned down, “Ghostbusters” stands out. According to Murphy, the original concept for the film included the idea of partnering Saturday Night Live stars together, with Dan Akroyd spearheading that vision and John Belushi initially considered before his untimely passing. Murphy stated,
“
Ghostbusters, I was supposed to do ‘Ghostbusters,’
”
— Eddie Murphy. Joining the cast was a missed opportunity that still echoes in Hollywood legend.
Murphy also addressed a second major project, the hit film “Rush Hour,” which later went on to establish a beloved comedy-action franchise. He explained,
“
Didn’t do that, and Rush Hour. Didn’t do that. Oh, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Those are my big three ‘wish I would have done’ movies.
”
— Eddie Murphy. Each of these films became iconic successes with different leads, but it’s intriguing to imagine how Murphy could have influenced their paths.
Iconic Films That Achieved Success Without Murphy
Despite Murphy passing on these now-famous projects, each movie enjoyed tremendous success in its own right. In “Rush Hour,” the role initially considered for Murphy went to Chris Tucker, who starred as Detective Carter alongside Jackie Chan’s Inspector Lee. This comedy-action pairing drove the film to gross over $245 million worldwide and sparked a trio of sequels, with a fourth film reportedly in development. The chemistry between Tucker and Chan, together with the script’s humor and high-energy stunts, played a major part in the movie’s enduring appeal.
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” went in another direction, casting Bob Hoskins as the grizzled yet captivating detective. Hoskins’ dynamic with the animated Roger Rabbit became a landmark in cinematic special effects, blending live action with animation in a way audiences had never seen before. His performance is now remembered for its wit and heart, a combination that may have offered a very different dynamic had Murphy taken on the role.
Missed Roles and the Course of Film History
Looking back, Murphy’s absence from these landmark movies underscores the unpredictable nature of casting in Hollywood, where a single decision can change the course of an actor’s career or even shape the legacy of a film. While Murphy is already celebrated for “Beverly Hills Cop” and “The Nutty Professor,” his reflections serve as a vivid reminder that even Hollywood’s brightest stars sometimes find themselves conflicted over paths not taken.
These insights from Murphy provide audiences with a new perspective on some of cinema’s most cherished films, as well as the evolving journeys of top movie stars like Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Bob Hoskins, and Wolverine’s memorable roles. Movie fans are left to wonder how these iconic films might have been reimagined had Murphy accepted those parts, but the actor’s honesty in recounting his regrets offers a compelling glimpse into the choices that have shaped his remarkable career.
Eddie Murphy reveals his top three "wish I would have done" movies. His new documentary "Being Eddie" is out now on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/WLP5IprhAr
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) November 13, 2025
