The comedy legend names Ghostbusters, Rush Hour and Who Framed Roger Rabbit as the roles that got away

The Roles That Slipped Away

22 November 2025: Eddie Murphy opened up about three major Hollywood projects he wishes he had said yes to — Ghostbusters, Rush Hour and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. During a recent conversation about his decades-long career, Murphy admitted that these films still linger in his mind as “the ones that got away,” noting how each could have taken his filmography in an entirely different direction.

Why Ghostbusters Almost Happened

Murphy revealed he was originally approached during the early development stages of Ghostbusters, a film that went on to become one of the biggest comedy hits of the 1980s. His involvement would have dramatically shifted the film’s dynamic, but due to scheduling conflicts with Beverly Hills Cop, he ultimately passed. Looking back, he called it a moment where timing simply worked against him.

His Near-Miss With Rush Hour

HOLR has the latest news, and Murphy also confirmed he was offered a role in Rush Hour before the iconic pairing of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker was finalized. While he praised the film’s success and chemistry between its stars, Murphy admitted he can’t help but wonder what the franchise would have looked like if he had taken the role.

Turning Down Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Murphy shared that he was also in discussions for Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation. At the time, he said the concept felt “too strange,” leading him to decline — a decision he now laughs about, acknowledging that the film became a beloved classic and technological milestone.

No Regrets — Just Reflection

Even as he reflects on these missed opportunities, Murphy was quick to emphasize that he doesn’t live with regret. Instead, he views these films as interesting “what if” moments in a long career filled with successes. The star’s candid admission offered fans a fun glimpse into the alternate Hollywood timelines that might have been.