On November 12, 2025, Netflix premiered Being Eddie, a documentary that peels back the curtain on the life and career of comedic icon Eddie Murphy. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Angus Wall, this Netflix Original offers viewers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the personal and professional journey of a man who has shaped American comedy for half a century. The film’s arrival was met with anticipation and curiosity, promising more than just a greatest-hits reel—it’s a candid, sometimes raw, exploration of Murphy’s trials, triumphs, and the legacy he continues to build.
Spanning 1 hour and 43 minutes, Being Eddie is a biographical documentary that traces Murphy’s story from his early childhood in Brooklyn to his meteoric rise as a stand-up prodigy, and ultimately, his status as a global movie star. As Reuters notes, the film chronicles Murphy’s five-decade career, highlighting his discovery of Richard Pryor’s comedy—a formative moment that shaped his comedic voice. Murphy’s entrance onto the national stage came at just 19, when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. His early film successes, including 48 Hrs. and Beverly Hills Cop, shattered box office records and catapulted him into the ranks of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors.
What sets Being Eddie apart from other celebrity documentaries is its personal, emotionally honest approach. Murphy himself narrates much of the film, offering reflections on his family’s struggles, the painful divorce of his parents, and the traumatic loss of his father to violence—chapters of his life rarely discussed in public. The documentary also highlights the critical role played by his stepfather, Vernon Lynch, whose support helped steady Murphy through turbulent times. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy’s openness is a departure from his traditionally private persona: “There were no guidelines. It wasn’t going to be this type of documentary,” Murphy reveals in the film, underscoring the project’s authenticity.
Director Angus Wall, best known for his deft touch in editing and storytelling, guides viewers through Murphy’s journey with a mix of home videos, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, and intimate interviews. The guest list is a who’s who of comedy and entertainment: Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Pete Davidson, John Landis, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Dave Chappelle all appear, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into Murphy’s influence. Tracee Ellis Ross and Tracy Morgan also make appearances, painting a vivid picture of Murphy’s reach across generations.
One of the documentary’s central narrative arcs is Murphy’s complicated relationship with Saturday Night Live. The film addresses his departure from the show and the infamous “falling star” joke by David Spade in 1995—a moment that stung Murphy for years. His return to host SNL in 2019 is presented as a healing, full-circle event, with talking heads emphasizing the significance of this reconciliation. Murphy himself discusses patching things up with both the SNL team and director John Landis, with whom he’d had a long-standing feud. “That heat that I had with John Landis 35, 40 years ago, that’s so long ago. I love John, and he directed two of the best movies of my career—Trading Places and Coming to America,” Murphy says, reflecting on their renewed friendship.
Beyond the public persona, Being Eddie offers a window into Murphy’s current life. Scenes at his home—complete with a retractable roof and the occasional bird mishap—show a content family man, living with partner Paige Butcher and their children. This domestic tranquility stands in sharp contrast to the guarded, sometimes solitary image Murphy projected in the past. According to iNews, the film “presents a sharp contrast to his earlier, more private public persona,” allowing audiences to see Murphy as both legend and everyday father.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from Murphy’s career missteps, either. With characteristic humor, he discusses how the timing of Norbit may have cost him an Oscar for Dreamgirls, and pokes fun at less successful films like Vampire in Brooklyn and Meet Dave. “I got a bunch of trophies. I got everything but an Oscar, and I’m not like, ‘This is going to get the Oscar.’ The fact of the matter is, if I never win an Oscar, eventually they’ll give me one of those honorary Oscars when I’m 90 years old,” Murphy jokes, adding that he might accept it in a sky blue tuxedo—complete with a bit of mischief for the cameras.
Fans of Murphy’s voice work will be delighted to learn about his enthusiasm for reprising Donkey in the upcoming Shrek 5. “I’ve always said I would do Shrek forever. Donkey is a great character to play. I love the whole cast,” he shares. The film also teases Murphy’s potential return to stand-up comedy, a prospect that excites both the star and his fans. “I’m open to the idea of doing stand-up again. I got to be having fun for it to work, so if it hits me like that, I’ll go right up there and do it,” he says, signaling that his comedic journey may still have new chapters ahead.
Technically, Being Eddie is accessible to a global audience. The documentary is available exclusively on Netflix, streaming in HD across all supported devices. In Canada, viewers can watch with English or French audio and subtitles; in other regions, English audio and subtitles are standard, with select locales able to access upscaled 4K playback on higher-tier plans. Downloads for offline viewing are available to subscribers, making it easy to watch on the go.
Produced in collaboration with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Eddie Murphy Productions, Being Eddie is rated R for language, sexual references, and brief nudity. Its mature themes and candid discussions of violence, relationships, and grief make it best suited for adult audiences. As The Hollywood Reporter points out, the film was developed over five to six years, initially conceived as a chronicle of Murphy’s stand-up comeback before evolving into a comprehensive retrospective coinciding with his 50th year in show business.
In a landscape crowded with celebrity profiles, Being Eddie stands out for its honesty, humor, and heart. It’s a celebration of a singular talent, but also a meditation on growth, forgiveness, and the enduring power of laughter. For fans old and new, the film is both a tribute and an invitation to see Eddie Murphy—not just as a star, but as a man who’s still figuring it all out, one joke at a time.
