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It had been 30 long years away from Studio 8H for Eddie Murphy, so clearly fans were super stoked to watch his return during the epic Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special.
Unfortunately, viewers were left disappointed because Murphy's time back on the hit NBC show was so short-lived and underwhelming. However, Norm Macdonald revealed through a stream of tweets earlier tonight that they had a different plan in mind—but it fell through.
Apparently, Murphy was asked to play Bill Cosby for the Celebrity Jeopardy sketch, but declined to take on the now-controversial role.
Here's what went down:
Without Will's perfect take on Trebek,maddened by the outright hostility of Connery, the faraway uninterest of Burt, the sketch is nothing.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
But SNL producer and co-writer Steve Higgins had an even better idea in mind...
At the end of the sketch, Darrel would choose potent potables. Homebase would be dressed as a bar.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
The iconic doors would open and on to home base would step Eddie Murphy. The audience would know what to do.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Why is Eddie wearing a multi-colored sweater?He steps behind the bar, begins mixing a drink. The audience covers the fact he has not spoken.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
When he speaks, he is Cosby. Eddie Murphy doing a perfect Cosby impression. The audience does not let him finish. The sketch ends.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
The show, for all intents, ends.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
So what went left? Well, Macdonald explains that Brett Ratner was in the middle of Murphy and the show for the sketch, and explained that the actor didn't feel comfortable.
So, the talks were underway. "Brett says Eddie doesn't feel comfortable", "Eddie says 'maybe it's ok since he's doing pre-allegation Cosby"— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
And on and on it went. I had not spoken to Eddie or @BrettRatner. I was dead sure Eddie would do it. Most others were not.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
We talk in his dressing room a good hour. When it's over, I'm convinced he'll do it.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
He doesn't.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
And while one might think that causes Macdonald to get super annoyed and stressed about the situation, he doesn't.
Instead, he compliments Murphy for sticking up for what he believes in.
He knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie Murphy is the coolest, a rockstar even in a room with actual rockstars.— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
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