News > Murphy, Ratner to Do "Beverly Hills Cop 4"

I believe it was Robin Williams who famously said, "Cocaine is God's way of saying that you're making too much money." That seems to be the case over at Paramount, where executives are still riding the waves of currency generated by "Iron Man" and "Indiana Jones" during this past month. As a result, according to Variety, the studio has given the go ahead for a fourth "Beverly Hills Cop" movie, starring Eddie Murphy and directed by Brett Ratner. They're aiming for a 2009 start date and a 2010 release.

Apparently, Murphy himself brought this to the attention of Paramount, and has the backing of producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura ("Transformers"). Original producer Jerry Bruckheimer will not return, and Paramount is still looking for a writer.

About seven years ago, there was some talk about a fourth "Beverly Hills Cop," but nothing came of it. I hope they're not using the premise that "Indiana Jones 4" was a huge financial success, ergo "Beverly Hills Cop 4" will be. That logic forgets what a critical and commercial failure the third installment of "BHC" was, compared to the legacy of Spielberg and Lucas' character. At least it's not "Norbit 2." Yet.

-David Morgan