Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F character is shown off in a new image from the film. After first playing the character back in 1984, Eddie Murphy returns as detective Axel Foley in the fourth installment in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. The upcoming Netflix film, which is directed by Mark Molley, features a host of both returning and new characters, including the introduction of Gordon-Levitt as Bobby Abbott, Foley’s partner.

As the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F release date approaches, Empire Magazine shares a new image from the film, providing the best look yet at Gordon-Levitt’s newcomer. Check out the image below:

Gordon-Levitt teases in the accompanying interview that Abbott is the serious one between him and Axel, and the above image certainly reinforces that. Check out Gordon-Levitt’s comment about the character below:

“This character is a bit strait-laced – I am an actual Beverly Hills cop, whereas Axel Foley is a cop from Detroit who finds himself in Beverly Hills – but he’s not a simple straight man. I also get my licks in. I wouldn’t be living up to this crazy opportunity if I wasn’t going to have a few myself. We got to do some really fun stuff.”

Will Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F End An Unfortunate Eddie Murphy Trend?

Murphy’s Recent Movies Haven’t Been Hits

From what’s been revealed thus far, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F has many of the same ingredients as the beloved original movie. Not only does the upcoming film seemingly feature a strong blend of R-rated action and comedy, but key original Beverly Hills Cop cast members like Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Taggart (John Ashton) are also returning. The movie, then, could end Murphy’s recent streak of poorly-reviewed films.

As seen in the chart above, Murphy’s three most recent movies have not been particularly well-received. Candy Cane Lane, You People, and Coming 2 America were all straight-to-streaming releases, and none fared well with either critics or audiences. While Murphy may still be regarded as one of the signature comedic talents of a generation, his recent movies just haven’t been that good.

Although Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F features some crucial ingredients for success, there’s still a question mark above the film due to the trajectory of the Beverly Hills franchise. While the first movie was well-received, the reception to the second was somewhat more mixed. The third film is generally regarded as a major disappointment. It remains to be seen whether Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F will be a hit, but Gordon-Levitt’s new character is evidently an exciting addition to the formula.

Source: Empire Magazine