Eddie Murphy is set to star in a new comedy based on ‘Grumpy Old Men’, with Tim Story lined up as director.
The 57-year-old star is said to be lined up to appear in the upcoming, as yet untitled movie inspired by the 1993 classic, which starred Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as rivals and next-door neighbours.
In the original film, the pair had been feuding since childhood, and things escalate when a new neighbour – played by Ann-Margret – leaves them both smitten.
While Donald Petrie directed the original film, Tim story will be at the helm for the fresh take on the story.
Although casting hasn’t been decided for the other main roles, Deadline reports that Samuel L. Jackson could be lined up to play the neighbour.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed earlier this year that Murphy has signed up for a ‘Twins’ sequel alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
The 1988 buddy comedy saw the pair take on the role of unlikely siblings, and it looks like there will be another member of the brood.
Schwarzenegger was speaking during a panel discussion at South by Southwest when he confirmed that Murphy was set for the long-awaited follow-up ‘Triplets’.
While he noted that the script was finished, the former professional bodybuilder also addressed the physical differences between the three ‘triplets’ in the movie, teasing: “Funny thing that happens in the mixing of the sperm.”
Meanwhile, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ star Murphy had insisted he would only join the ‘Triplets’ project if the script was something special.
Asked about the possibility in 2015, he said, “A couple of years ago I met with Arnold and Danny and some writer. We had a meeting but I didn’t hear anything. I tell you – I’m not doing anything unless the script’s incredible.”
“I did some movies where they offer you a bunch of money and you go, ‘OK, I’ll do it!’ I’ve done enough of those – I don’t have to do them anymore.” he added.
“If ‘Triplets’ comes together and it’s hysterically funny, I’ll do it. Same with ‘Beverly Hills Cop 4’ – the last couple of scripts weren’t quite there.”
Meanwhile, Eddie and his girlfriend Paige Butcher, 39 – who already have two-year-old daughter Izzy Oona together – will welcome a new baby in December and have confirmed the latest arrival will be a son.
Bang Showbiz
