Eddie Murphy Trades Comedy for Drama

Eddie Murphy is most well known for his comedy. Whether its his prolific stand-up career (although red leather jumpsuits never quite caught on), acclaimed 80's comedy classics (Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, or Coming to America), or recent box office flops and missteps a la A Thousand Words/ The Adventures of Pluto Nash. Apart from his Oscar Nominated role in 2006' Dreamgirls, Murphy has been widely derided by critics and fans alike, with most of his recent Blockbuster appearances ending up deep in the red. However, things might be looking up for the comedy icon, with a spot (recently vacated by a schedule-conflicted Samuel L. Jackson) in Director Bruce Beresford's newest venture, Cook. With a script written by, and based on the life experience of, Susan McMartin, Cook centers around the life of a man (Murphy) who is hired by a dying man to cook (get it?) for his girlfriend and daughter after he passes. According to producer Mark Canton, although their first choice, Samuel L. Jackson, dropped out because of scheduling conflicts, they are very happy with his replacement. Banking on the success of Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club, Canton suggests producers are all trying to greek-light projects with a certain quality reminiscent of the 2013 hit. Stating; "This will be Eddie Murphy like you’ve never seen him. Of that I can assure you," certainly adds interest to the role, and Eddie Murphy's place in it. Certainly not completely removed from comedy, Murphy is set to star in Beverly Hills Cop 4 and Twins sequel, Triplets alongside original stars Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Cook is set to begin filming next month for a release date likely to be late 2016.