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Eddie Murphy, a comedic icon and Hollywood legend, rarely shies away from a conversation about his career. But when the topic turns to 2002’s The Adventures of Pluto Nash, a film widely considered one of the biggest box office and critical failures of the 21st century, Murphy gets…defensive. And he's laying blame elsewhere.

The film, which saw Murphy playing a futuristic con man, earned Murphy a staggering six Razzie Awards (including Worst Actor and Worst Picture), a record that remains unbroken. It's a mark of infamy that has followed the actor for decades. Yet, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy is pushing back against the narrative, claiming external factors, not his performance, were responsible for the film's disastrous reception.

“That Pluto Nash movie? That was a bad movie. But it wasn’t my fault,” Murphy stated firmly. “I was forced to do that movie. I didn’t wanna do that movie. I had just done Shrek. I was hot off Shrek. I was working on Daddy Day Care. I was working on all these movies, and they forced me to do that Pluto Nash movie.”

Murphy elaborated that he felt pressured by the studio, Warner Bros., to take on the project, despite his reservations. He explained that he was in a contractual obligation and couldn't easily refuse. “They forced me to do that movie,” he reiterated, emphasizing his lack of agency in the situation. “I was trying to be a movie star. I was trying to do everything. I was trying to do too much.”

The film’s production was plagued with problems, including reported budget overruns and a lack of audience interest in the futuristic setting and comedic tone. It opened to dismal reviews and bombed at the box office, making it a significant financial loss for Warner Bros.

While Murphy’s comments have sparked renewed discussion about the film and the circumstances surrounding its production, they also highlight a recurring theme in Hollywood: the tension between artistic vision and studio demands. Many actors have spoken about feeling pressured to take on projects they weren’t passionate about, often due to contractual obligations or studio pressure.

Despite the enduring notoriety of The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Murphy’s career has continued to thrive. He’s enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with critically acclaimed performances in films like Dolemite Is My Name and the Coming 2 America sequel. His upcoming role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is generating significant buzz, proving that even a Razzie-laden past can’t overshadow a legacy of comedic brilliance.

Whether Murphy's explanation will change the perception of The Adventures of Pluto Nash remains to be seen. But his willingness to address the controversy head-on demonstrates a refreshing honesty and a determination to reclaim his narrative, even when it involves confronting one of his most infamous failures. He's not apologizing for the film itself, but rather for the circumstances that led him to make it.