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Eddie Murphy is heading to television for his first scripted series role.
The Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America star is set to lead The Chairman, a drama series from Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner that is in development at Peacock, according to Deadline.
The project marks a new chapter for Murphy, who began his career on Saturday Night Live before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars.
Eddie Murphy joins The Chairman
Murphy will star in The Chairman, which comes from Weiner, the creator of Mad Men.
Details about the series remain limited. However, the project is being developed as a drama, giving Murphy an opportunity to take on a scripted television role in a format that differs from much of his best-known work.
Murphy has built a career across film, television and stand-up comedy. His credits include major comedy hits such as Coming to America and the Beverly Hills Cop franchise.
Murphy returns to the small screen
Murphy got his major entertainment break as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. His run on the sketch comedy series helped launch a film career that included 48 Hrs., Trading Places and The Nutty Professor.
Although Murphy has made television appearances throughout his career, The Chairman represents his first starring role in a scripted series.
The project also reunites a major Hollywood performer with a prominent television creator. Weiner earned widespread recognition for Mad Men, which ran for seven seasons and became one of television’s most acclaimed dramas.
Peacock develops new drama
The Chairman is currently in development at Peacock.
Further details about the cast, storyline and potential release date have not been announced. The project could give audiences a different side of Murphy while bringing Weiner’s dramatic storytelling style to the streaming platform.
For Murphy, the series adds another television milestone to a career that has already included stand-up, sketch comedy and blockbuster films.
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Source: Deadline.
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