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In 1989, Eddie Murphy shot two movies back-to-back. He agreed they both “deserved to be dumped on”
In 1989, Eddie Murphy filmed *Harlem Nights*, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in, then soon began shooting *Another 48 Hrs*. He later said both films deserved the criticism they received, explaining that he had not been true to himself as an artist and had made the sequel partly for money.
*Harlem Nights* was filmed from April to July and released in November 1989; despite earning twice its budget, it disappointed expectations and won Murphy a Razzie for worst screenplay. *Another 48 Hrs* wrapped in April 1990 and opened in June. Murphy then took a 25-month break before his next film, *Boomerang*.
In short
- Murphy said both 1989 and 1990 films deserved the criticism.
- He made *Harlem Nights* while taking on four roles behind and in front of the camera.
- He took a 25-month break before *Boomerang*.
Explained simply
Eddie Murphy was one of the biggest comedy stars of the 1980s, known for films such as Beverly Hills Cop. By 1989, he was also taking on more control behind the camera, making Harlem Nights as its writer, director and producer as well as its star.
Another 48 Hrs was a sequel to the 1982 action comedy 48 Hrs, in which Murphy co-starred with Nick Nolte. Sequels often offer studios a chance to build on a successful film, while giving actors a chance to return to familiar roles.
The two films came out within months of each other, at a time when Murphy was balancing creative ambitions with the demands of a major film career. His later comments provide his own account of why he was dissatisfied with the work and help explain the pause before his next film.