Home / Arts and Entertainment / Eastwood Passed, Murphy Shined: 48 Hrs. Story
Eastwood Passed, Murphy Shined: 48 Hrs. Story
1 Oct
Summary
- Clint Eastwood was initially considered for the convict role in 48 Hrs.
- Walter Hill cast Eddie Murphy after Richard Pryor and Gregory Hines were unavailable.
- Studio executives initially doubted Eddie Murphy's comedic timing in 48 Hrs.
Director Walter Hill shared that the iconic action-comedy '48 Hrs.' was initially conceived for Clint Eastwood. Eastwood declined the convict role, preferring not to play two prisoners consecutively after 'Escape from Alcatraz.' This decision led Hill to reimagine the part for a Black actor.
Richard Pryor was considered next, but the project stalled. By the time the studio revisited '48 Hrs.,' Pryor was unavailable. After Gregory Hines couldn't commit, Hill discovered Eddie Murphy, then a 'Saturday Night Live' cast member.
Hill's girlfriend, who was Murphy's agent, provided tapes that showcased his immense talent. Hill, who didn't regularly watch SNL, was impressed and hired Murphy for his film debut. He noted that Murphy's raw talent was akin to capturing lightning in a bottle.
The film's unique blend of gritty action and racial tension, unusual for the time, is credited with its enduring appeal. Hill believed the honest portrayal of complex race relations and the characters' journey toward mutual respect contributed to the movie's lasting impact, which continues to resonate today.
