MovieChat Forums > Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Discussion > Sylvester Stallone was supposed to be Ax...

Sylvester Stallone was supposed to be Axel Foley?


I understand the original script for "Beverly Hills Cop" was written with Sylvester Stallone in mind for the lead character. Word has it that Sly read the script & revised it, making it into an action movie. The producers didn't like the idea, so Stallone was replaced. Did the producers think of auditioning other actors for the part of Axel Foley before deciding on Eddie Murphy? I understand if Stallone had accepted the role, his character's name would've been different. Does anyone know the entire story behind all of this? Would the overall casting had been different if Sly had accepted the part? I wonder how Sly would've reacted if he had been the one thrown through the glass window instead of Eddie Murphy? How was Eddie Murphy decided on for the part of Axel Foley? Don't get me wrong, Murphy was great in this role, but I have to wonder "what if...".


Larry Appleton: "I have..."
Balki Bartokomous: "Oh, God!"
Larry Appleton: "...a plan!"

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The producers cast Mickey Rourke originally. But as the script was taking a long time being rewritten, he signed on to another movie. Then, they ran into Eddie Murphy at Paramount and he expressed interest in it. Him being the funniest guy in the world at that time they thought "Great idea!". But the studio had already cast Stallone. After they disagreed with Stallone on the script, they dropped Stallone and went back to Eddie. Stallone ended up taking his revised script and making the film "Cobra" out of it. That film is basically what "Beverly Hills Cop" would have been with Stallone. Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Richard Pryor were also considered before Stallone was cast.

George Carlin: It's all bullsh-t and it's bad for ya.

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He was supposed to be Axel Cobretti.His film became Cobra after he didn't do this film.Eddie Murphy pretty much got the role because they loved him in 48 Hours.

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As much a good actor as he is, glad Stallone didn't do this one, a serious action only BHC wouldn never have been as good and successful, the comedic touch is what gives it the extra ratings.

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EDDIE MURPHY IS THE ORGINAL AXEL FOLEY

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