Although The Lone Ranger may have died an ugly box office death, it went down guns blazing and certainly hasn’t phased director Jerry Bruckheimer. This could very well be the super-producer’s attempt to remedy his postflopum depression as he finds himself focusing on a number of projects, all highlighting his intentions on reviving his action-packed back catalogue in the form of not one, not two, but (at least) three sequels. Let’s take a look.
Beverly Hills Cop 4
The latest title Bruckheimer’s name has been attached to, as returning producer, is the forever delayed Beverly Hills Cop 4. This, the fourth entry in the Eddie Murphy buddy cop franchise has endured stumbling block after stumbling block ever since a TV spin-off pilot fizzled at CBS. With the first three films having grossed a grand box office total of $735m worldwide it is certainly justifiable as to why a return is mooted. Despite the aforementioned problem ridden project(s), the jigsaw pieces appear to be falling back into place with Eddie Murphy back on board to play Axel Foley with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol co-writers Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec enlisted for writing duties. Although director Brett Ratner’s name has surfaced a few times there is still no official word as to who might helm the sequel.
Top Gun 2
Another ‘80s hit Bruckheimer believes is ready for a bit of mouth-to-mouth is Top Gun despite the fact that talks of a sequel were shushed as a result of the unexpected suicide of director Tony Scott last year. Scott helmed the original Top Gun (and Beverly Hills Cop 2) and, prior to his unexpected death, had already been out and about scouting locations for the sequel which was planned to be based on a Christopher McQuarrie script, although McQuarrie later pulled out to focus on his directing duties on Mission: Impossible 5. Since Scott’s death actors Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise have both shown interest in reprising their respective roles as Iceman and Maverick so it’s not time to say never say never just yet.
Bad Boys 3
If Beverly Hills Cop wasn’t enough to quench his buddy cop thirst, Bruckheimer is also reportedly developing a script for Bad Boys 3 with Michael Bay attached to direct the highly successfully Will Smith/Martin Lawrence duo. Despite these rumours, they somewhat go against a recent comment made by Smith about all manner of sequels:
“I don’t want to be the sequel guy. I figure I’ve got about six or seven more years where I can run and jump a little bit and then I’m going butt and gut for the rest of my career. Butt and gut.”
The A-lister’s name is currently attached to Hancock 2, After Earth 2 whilst his appearance in Men In Black 4 is a no go at the moment. Given the critical praise After Earth garnered, we hope he returns as Detective Mike Lowrey rather than Cypher Raige before he goes all butt and gut on us…
Which of the aforementioned sequels would you most like to see come to fruition? Have your say in the comments section below.
