Unveiling the Surprising Origins of Keanu Reeves' Speed: A Risky Move That Nearly Changed Action Movies Forever
Keanu Reeves' iconic film Speed almost became a thrilling sequel to another action franchise, but thankfully, it took a different direction Discover why this high-stakes adventure wouldn't have worked as a Beverly Hills Cop sequel
Former Paramount executive Don Granger reminisced about the process of bringing the movie Speed to fruition in a recent interview on the 50 MPH Podcast. Granger revealed that during the final stages of development, he proposed the idea of making Speed a sequel to the popular Beverly Hills Cop franchise. However, his suggestion was swiftly dismissed by his colleagues.
Why Speed Wouldn't Have Worked As A Beverly Hills Cop Sequel
In a last-ditch effort, I attempted to pitch my movie at our chairman's lunch as a potential script for Beverly Hills Cop 3. Despite getting some initial interest for about 15 minutes, it was ultimately dismissed. At the time, the focus was on finding a Beverly Hills Cop 3, so I suggested putting Axel Foley on a bus. It was a desperate move, akin to a Hail Mary pass. Personally, I believe that my version would have been a superior movie compared to what Beverly Hills Cop 3 eventually became. Nevertheless, that pitch marked my final attempt to salvage the project.
Rewritten content:
Although the premise of a bus exploding if it goes below 50 miles per hour may appear comical, in capable hands, it transforms into a gripping adventure. Acclaimed cinematographer Jan de Bont, known for his work on Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October, made his directorial debut with this film. The script, written by Graham Yost, future creator of Justified, captivated both critics and audiences, resulting in rave reviews. Against a reported production budget of $37 million, the movie grossed over $350 million.
Rewriting:
Considering the comedic tone of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, transforming the concept of Speed into a sequel led by Eddie Murphy would not only compromise the potential tension, but also disrupt the successful formula that made the first two action comedies a hit. A significant source of humor in the Beverly Hills Cop movies stemmed from the contrast between Axel, played by Murphy, and the more rigid residents of the California city. By trapping the character on a bus, this opportunity for comedic observation from Murphy would be eliminated, ultimately reducing his chances for jokes overall.
Another reason why it was ultimately preferable for Speed to not be developed as a sequel to Beverly Hills Cop is Granger's revelation that Paramount was heavily pushing for a third movie in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. This push to create a third installment not only took seven years, but also resulted in the poorly received Beverly Hills Cop III. During its production, Murphy was reportedly in a state of depression and later disowned the film himself. With the fourth Beverly Hills Cop movie, Axel Foley, almost complete as of late 2022, there is hope that the franchise can bounce back from the setbacks and regain its former glory.
Source: 50 MPH Podcast
