A Third 'Nutty Professor' Film In The Works?

Just when Eddie Murphy stated earlier this year that he may be ready to hang it up, especially after the dismal performance of his last film, 'Meet Dave', word from the trades is that Universal Pictures Imagine Entertainment is thinking of making a third 'Nutty Professor' film.

The Hollywood Reporter is stating that an open call is out to writers for their take on a potential third entry.

Although it has been eight years since the last "Nutty" came out, executives are interested in a new version that would follow 'The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps.'

Like 'The Nutty Professor,' 'Klumps' focused on Sherman Klump, a portly, gentle scientist (Eddie Murphy) who turns obnoxious after trying one of his own cures. In the second film, which expanded to include more of Klump's family members (many also played by Murphy), it was eternal youth that Klump sought.

The sequel to 1996's 'The Nutty Professor,' 'Klumps' had a less corpulent boxoffice gross than its predecessor, earning $162 million worldwide vs. the $270 million of the first installment.

At this point, Murphy is not attached to a new 'Nutty'; his involvement would be contingent on the writer, director and other elements. Murphy's comic versatility was seen as key to the success of the two 'Nutty' movies, and it seems unlikely that a third installment could go forward without him.

The Many Faces of Eddie Murphy

Many Faces of Eddie Murphy
With a career that spans three decades, one actor holds the distinction of taking on so many personalities via his TV and film works; Eddie Murphy. The Brooklyn, New York-born funnyman cut his teeth performing in comedy clubs before his big break on 'Saturday Night Live.' From there, he rocketed to superstardom in movies such as '48 Hours,' the 'Beverly Hills Cop' and 'Nutty Professor' franchises and an assortment of other hit films. BlackVoices.com take s a look back at the multi-faceted career (and imagery) of Eddie Murphy.

Everett Collection

Year: 1980
Title: 'Saturday Night Live'
Factoid: Having campaigned for a slot on the popular sketch comedy show, Eddie Murphy finally got his big break. However, many considered it to be the show's most disastrous season (everyone was fired except for Murphy and Joe Piscopo). By spoofing popular entertainment figures such as Buckwheat, James Brown, Gumby, Stevie Wonder and Mister Rogers, Murphy became a break-out performer and the show's biggest draw during the four seasons he starred.

NBC / Everett Collection

Year: 1982
Title: '48 Hrs'
Factoid: Murphy's silver screen debut almost didn't happen in '48 Hours.' He reportedly was behind a long list of actors who were considered to play Reggie Hammond, including Gregory Hines, Richard Pryor, and the late Howard E. Rollins Jr. The chemistry between Eddie and Nick Nolte was so great that it spawned 'Another 48 hrs' (not to mention box-office success).