After years out of the public spotlight, Eddie Murphy returned with a bang in 2019 with Netflix’s Dolemite is my Name and an acclaimed hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, followed by Coming 2 America on Amazon Prime Video earlier this year. The latter movie was written by black-ish’s Kenya Barris, and today brings word that Murphy will be collaborating with him again, as well as teaming with Jonah Hill, on another Netflix comedy.
In addition to sharing screen time with Jonah Hill on this yet-to-be-titled movie, Jonah Hill also co-wrote the script with Kenya Barris. Both men will produce through their respective Khalabo Ink Society and Strong Baby production companies, and Kevin Misher of Misher Films is also attached as a producer, among others. Furthermore, Barris will direct this Netflix comedy, making this his feature directorial debut, having previously helmed episodes of black-ish and BlackAF. It’s worth noting that Barris was announced last year to be writing, directing and producing a biopic about comedian Richard Pryor, but it’s unclear how far along that project is.
Regarding this movie’s plot, THR described it as “an incisive examination of modern love and family dynamics and how clashing cultures, societal expectations and generational differences shape and affect relationships.” Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill’s characters clash on some of these issues, but that’s the extent of the information revealed so far.
Assuming this movie is being fast-tracked/prioritized, this will be Jonah Hill’s follow-up to Adam McKay’s upcoming movie Don’t Look Up, which will also premiere on Netflix. Between these projects and starring alongside Emma Stone in the limited series Maniac, Hill has been building a rapport with the streaming service, just like Eddie Murphy. Hill’s other recent acting credits include War Dogs, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot and The Beach Bum, and he also wrote, directed and produced 2018’s Mid90s. There was also a period where Hill was being lined up to play either Riddler or Penguin in The Batman, although those roles ultimately went to Paul Dano and Colin Farrell, respectively.
As for Eddie Murphy, in addition to this comedy with Jonah Hill, he also has Beverly Hills Cop 4 lined up at Netflix. Back in March, Murphy said that the script was still in development, and he wouldn’t move forward with Axel Foley’s return until the story was to his liking. As such, it seems as though we could see his comedy vehicle with Hill arrive before Beverly Hills Cop 4, but that’s not cemented just yet. Murphy also has an idea for Coming to America 3, although he would need to be 75 to do it, so that’s not happening for a long time, if at all.
We here at CinemaBlend will keep you updated on this Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill Netflix comedy’s development, including what it ends up being titled. For now, look through our detailed guide about what’s premiering on the platform in September, or plan your trips to the movie theater later this year with our 2021 release schedule.
