‘Weird’ cameo as Netflix drops fourth Beverly Hills Cop movie

The highly-anticipated sequel to Beverly Hills Cop has just dropped, and viewers have been left scratching their heads over a random cameo.

Netflix has finally dropped the highly-anticipated fourth film in the beloved Beverly Hills Cop franchise.

Starring US comedy legend Eddie Murphy who returns as street-smart detective Axel Foley, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F comes 30 years after its previous instalment – the widely panned Beverly Hills Cop III released in 1994.

It picks up with Axel being lured back to Beverly Hills to help his estranged daughter, lawyer Jane Saunders (Taylour Paige), whose life is being threatened by criminals.

A random cameo has proved a hot talking point, with many viewers left scratching their heads over an unexpected moment about 90 minutes into the film’s run time.

In a cult classic crossover, US actor Christopher McDonald appears briefly in a scene with Murphy and Joseph Gordon Levitt (who plays Detective Abbott) on a golf course. While no reference is made to his character’s name, it’s clear McDonald is portraying his iconic villainous golfer Shooter McGavin from the 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore.

Christopher McDonald made a cameo in Beverly Hills Cop 4, where he appeared to be taking on the role of golf villain Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore.

McDonald features briefly in a scene with Levitt and Murphy.

Fans took to social media questioning the cameo, while others were left utterly delighted by McDonald’s surprise appearance.

“What a weird cameo. Were these films in the same universe?” one user questioned.

“They really put Shooter McGavin in Beverly Hills Cop?!” another asked.

“Shooter McGavin cameo on Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Well, that has made my day,” a third wrote.

“[The movie] Has some great call-backs to the previous films, and one hilarious cameo that had me dying. A fun two hours for sure,” a fourth added.

“Great cameo on the golf course scene!” a fifth chimed in.

While marrying the two different worlds might seem strange, it appears Netflix is getting some early promo in for its upcoming sequel to Happy Gilmore, which starred Adam Sandler.

The streaming giant officially announced a second film was in the works in May, which will see Sandler reprise his role as the tempestuous hockey player-turned-golfer.

Meanwhile, reviews have so far proven fairly mixed for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, starring Eddie Murphy, has just hit streaming on Netflix.

Digital Spy declared it “failed to recapture the magic” of the original film, released in 1984.

“It is fun to see Eddie Murphy back in one of his most iconic roles. But while Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F picks up considerably in its final act, you’ll be better off rewatching the first movie instead,” the publication noted.

The Guardian was more scathing, giving it just two stars.

“This feels a bit stale, and a mature guy like [Murphy] can’t play the subversive anarchist comedy energy in the way he did. Murphy could still play comedy or drama with the right script, but this presumes a great deal on the audience’s brand loyalty,” the outlet noted.

However, other critics noted how Axel F was comfort viewing for those interested in an easy nostalgia trip.

The Chicago Sun Times wrote, “Axel F is the very definition of passable, comfort-viewing, nostalgia-tinged entertainment. It’s a good-looking film, and it’s wonderful to see Eddie Murphy returning to one of his signature roles and pumping it back to life after he sleepwalked through Cop III.”

Murphy returns as detective Axel Foley. Picture: Netflix

Fans on social media were more impressed, with dozens saying they thoroughly enjoyed the film.

“I loved Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. So much retro fun. I adore the original Beverly Hills Cop trilogy, I grew on them, 3 very special movies to me. Can’t beat the old skool heroes taking over again,” one user wrote.

“It brings me great pleasure to report that BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F ain’t no banana in the tailpipe. It’s the real deal and a hilarious nostalgia trip,” another added.

A third wrote, “BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F is a whole lot of fun for fans and newbies alike. Yes it hits all those expected nostalgic beats, but it also packs in some solid action and plenty of laughs.”