The answer is two: The Nutty Professor (1996) and its sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000). Despite the character’s enduring popularity, Eddie Murphy only starred in these two big-budget remakes of the classic 1963 Jerry Lewis film.
The Curious Case of the Nutty Professor Franchise
The Nutty Professor films, both starring Eddie Murphy, revitalized the original concept, injecting it with modern special effects, raunchy humor, and Murphy’s unparalleled comedic talent. While a third film was planned and even briefly considered, it never materialized. This leaves fans wondering about the history, evolution, and future (or lack thereof) of this beloved franchise.
A Brief History of the Nutty Professor
The story begins with Jerry Lewis’s 1963 comedic masterpiece, The Nutty Professor. Lewis not only starred in the film as the clumsy and awkward Professor Julius Kelp but also directed and co-wrote it. The film, a loose adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, introduced the world to the hapless Kelp and his suave, confident, and ultimately problematic alter ego, Buddy Love. The 1996 remake, starring Eddie Murphy, reimagined the story with Sherman Klump, a kind-hearted but morbidly obese professor who uses a serum to transform himself into the slim and charismatic Buddy Love (again).
The remake, and its sequel, relied heavily on special effects and makeup to showcase Murphy’s incredible range, allowing him to play multiple members of the Klump family in addition to both Sherman and Buddy Love. The success of the 1996 film led to a direct sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, released in 2000. This sequel further explored the Klump family dynamics and introduced the concept of Sherman’s DNA escaping, resulting in multiple “mini-Klumps” wreaking havoc.
Why Only Two Eddie Murphy Nutty Professor Films?
Despite the commercial success of both The Nutty Professor and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, a third film never happened. Several factors likely contributed to this. While both films performed well at the box office, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps received significantly less positive critical reception than its predecessor.
Additionally, Eddie Murphy’s career trajectory shifted during the early 2000s. He began focusing on different types of roles, including family-friendly comedies and dramatic performances. The demanding makeup and special effects requirements for the Nutty Professor films likely became less appealing as he explored other avenues in his career. It’s also possible that creative disagreements or a lack of compelling story ideas contributed to the decision not to pursue a third film. Regardless of the specific reasons, the Nutty Professor franchise, starring Eddie Murphy, remains a duology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Nutty Professor
This section answers common questions regarding the Nutty Professor movies, providing insights into the production, characters, and legacy of this comedic franchise.
1. Was the Eddie Murphy Nutty Professor a Remake?
Yes, the 1996 Nutty Professor, starring Eddie Murphy, is a remake of the 1963 film of the same name starring Jerry Lewis. While the core concept remains similar – a shy professor creating a potion to transform himself into a more confident alter ego – the Eddie Murphy version features updated special effects, a modern setting, and a different comedic style.
2. Who Played Buddy Love in the Original Nutty Professor?
Jerry Lewis played both Professor Julius Kelp and his alter ego, Buddy Love, in the 1963 film. He also directed and co-wrote the movie.
3. How Did Eddie Murphy Transform Into the Different Characters?
Eddie Murphy’s transformations into Sherman Klump, Buddy Love, and the various Klump family members were achieved through a combination of prosthetic makeup and special effects. Rick Baker, a renowned makeup artist, was responsible for the elaborate makeup design in both Nutty Professor films.
4. Are The Nutty Professor Films Considered Comedy Classics?
The original 1963 Nutty Professor is widely considered a comedy classic. It’s praised for Jerry Lewis’s physical comedy, insightful social commentary, and innovative filmmaking techniques. The Eddie Murphy remakes, while commercially successful, are often viewed as more mainstream comedies, less critically acclaimed but enjoyed by a broader audience.
5. Did Eddie Murphy Win Any Awards for His Role in The Nutty Professor?
Eddie Murphy received positive critical attention and award nominations for his performance in The Nutty Professor (1996). He won the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy.
6. What’s the Story Behind the Cancelled Nutty Professor 3?
While a Nutty Professor 3 was reportedly discussed, no concrete details were ever officially released. Some reports suggested that creative differences and Eddie Murphy’s shifting career priorities played a role in its cancellation. The specific story ideas for the third film remain unknown.
7. Are There Any Animated Nutty Professor Series or Movies?
There was an animated Nutty Professor series that aired on Nickelodeon from 2001 to 2002. This series featured a new take on the characters and storylines, unrelated to either the Jerry Lewis or Eddie Murphy films.
8. What Makes the Eddie Murphy Nutty Professor Films Different From the Original?
The Eddie Murphy remakes differ from the original in several ways. They feature more sophisticated special effects, a more modern setting, and a different style of humor. The remakes also place greater emphasis on the Klump family and their dynamics, making them a central part of the story.
9. Is There a Specific Message or Theme in the Nutty Professor Movies?
Both versions of The Nutty Professor explore themes of self-acceptance, beauty standards, and the dangers of altering oneself to conform to societal expectations. They both emphasize the importance of inner beauty and embracing one’s true self.
10. How Successful Were The Nutty Professor Movies at the Box Office?
Both The Nutty Professor (1996) and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) were commercial successes. The Nutty Professor grossed over $274 million worldwide, while Nutty Professor II: The Klumps earned over $270 million.
11. Who Directed the Eddie Murphy Nutty Professor Films?
Tom Shadyac directed The Nutty Professor (1996), while Peter Segal directed Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000).
12. Will There Ever Be Another Nutty Professor Movie?
As of today, there are no official plans for another Nutty Professor movie. While the franchise has a loyal fanbase, the combination of Eddie Murphy’s current career direction and the lack of a compelling story has likely prevented a revival. However, in Hollywood, never say never, and the possibility of a reboot or remake remains open in the future. For now, fans can revisit the two existing Eddie Murphy films and the original Jerry Lewis classic to enjoy the nutty professor’s antics.