It’s common in Hollywood for actors to be considered for roles that eventually go to someone else. For example, David Schwimmer almost played Agent J in Men in Black before Will Smith got the part. Interestingly, Smith later turned down The Matrix, which then went to Keanu Reeves. This happens a lot with big movies, and Eddie Murphy is no exception. He recently told the Associated Press (as reported by Variety) that there are three major films he wishes he hadn’t passed on.
Eddie Murphy often talks about a few roles that got away. He’s said he was originally considered for Ghostbusters, Rush Hour, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit – movies he really wishes he’d been a part of.
Everyone was aware of Ghostbusters. Eddie Murphy was originally considered for the role that Ernie Hudson eventually played. If Murphy had taken the part, it would have been much larger and his character would have been featured more throughout the film. However, because he declined Ghostbusters, he was able to star in Beverly Hills Cop, which became his signature movie – likely a better outcome. Rush Hour would have been a different film as well. Chris Tucker’s energetic and unique performance alongside Jackie Chan is a key part of that series. Still, it’s easy to imagine Murphy changing the dynamic and still creating a successful movie.
I’m still amazed by Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It’s incredible to think Eddie Murphy could have played Bob Hoskins’ role – it was pretty much the only significant human part besides Christopher Lloyd’s Judge Doom, which doesn’t seem like a good fit. It would have been a really strange casting choice. Murphy has even said he didn’t quite understand the movie’s concept at the time.
I initially thought Who Framed Roger Rabbit sounded silly and didn’t pursue it. Later, I realized it was actually incredible.
Gotta love those coulda-woulda-shoulda moments.
Kyle Anderson is a Senior Editor at TopMob and the host of the “Laser Focus” podcast, where he explores pop culture in depth. He also writes film and TV reviews, and you can find him on Letterboxd.
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2025-11-24 22:03