Sept. 22 (UPI) — Actor, writer and comedian Eddie Murphy has signed a new film deal with Amazon Studios.
Deadline reported Wednesday that Murphy, 60, signed a three-picture and first-look deal that will see him star in three films for Amazon Studios and develop new original films with the potential to star.
“Eddie is a legend both in front of and behind the camera,” Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke said in a statement. “With undeniable comedic and dramatic genius, he consistently delivers entertaining, original stories and characters to audiences around the world. We could not be more excited to help carry on the tradition and to officially welcome Eddie into the Amazon family.”
News of the deal follows the release of Murphy’s film Coming 2 America, a sequel to his 1988 film Coming to America, on Amazon Prime Video. The movie was the most-watched film on Amazon Prime in its opening weekend in March.
Amazon acquired Coming 2 America from Paramount Pictures in November 2020.
Murphy also recently starred in the Netflix film Dolemite is My Name and will produce and star in Beverly Hills Cop 4 for the streaming service.
Murphy plays Axel Foley in the Beverly Hills Cop movies. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as James “Thunder” Early in the 2006 musical film Dreamgirls.