FIRST PUBLISHED: May 29, 2008 1:39 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: May 29, 2008 1:45 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Eddie Murphy is ready to get back on the beat.

The comedian is set to reprise his role as detective Axel Foley in a fourth installment of “Beverly Hills Cop,” according to Variety.

In addition, Brett Ratner is in talks to direct the film.

Paramount is aiming to start production in 2009, with a released date targeted for 2010.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the first three “Beverly Hills Cop” films, will not be involved in the latest installment.

According to Variety, Murphy approached the studio with the idea for a fourth “Cop” film.

The original “Beverly Hills Cop” was released in 194 and grossed more than $315 million worldwide, spawning two sequels in 1987 and 1994, respectively.

Murphy will next be seen in the comedy “Meet Dave,” slated for a July 2008 opening. He recently wrapped shooting on the comedy “NowhereLand,” alongside Thomas Haden Church.

Ratner is currently developing the Hugh Hefner biopic “Playboy” for Universal. According to a report by Entertainment Weekly, Ratner has spoken to “Iron Man” star Robert Downey Jr. about stepping into the role of Hef.

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