Eddie Murphy Passed On Chris Tucker's Role In "Rush Hour" To Do "Holy Man", Which He Now Calls One of His Worst Films

Hollywood is filled with “what if” moments, and one of the most surprising involves Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker, and the smash hit Rush Hour. Murphy recently revealed that he passed on the role of Detective James Carter—ultimately played by Tucker—to star in Holy Man, a decision he now considers one of his worst career moves.

Released in 1998, Rush Hour became an instant box office sensation, raking in $245 million worldwide against a $35 million budget. The buddy cop comedy, pairing Jackie Chan with Chris Tucker, became a cultural phenomenon and spawned two successful sequels.

Meanwhile, Holy Man, Murphy’s chosen project that same year, told the story of an eccentric spiritual guru appearing on a home shopping network. Unfortunately, the film failed to connect with audiences or critics, pulling in just $27 million against a $60 million budget.

Murphy’s candid admission underscores how even the biggest stars can miss out on blockbuster opportunities. While Holy Man is now a forgotten blip in his legendary career, Rush Hour remains one of the most beloved action-comedies of the late ’90s—cementing Chris Tucker’s place in Hollywood history.

It’s a classic reminder that in show business, timing is everything… and sometimes the road not taken leads straight to box office gold.