Eddie Murphy is set to lead a new Peacock series titled The Chairman, marking his first foray into scripted television. The project is a high-profile collaboration with Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner.
Matthew Weiner's first writing project since The Romanoffs
Matthew Weiner is returning to the writer's chair for the first time since his 2018 anthology series, The Romanoffs. Known for his extensive work on The Sopranos and his award-winning tenure on Mad Men, Weiner is expected to bring a sense of prestige to this new production. As the report states, the series is being developed for Peacock, the streaming platform owned by NBCUniversal.
The partnership between Weiner and Murphy represents a significant creative pivot for both parties. While Weiner has spent years working as a producer and writer on various acclaimed projects, The Chairman serves as his primary return to a new series format. This move is intended to bolster Peacock's library of original scripted content.
Eddie Murphy's move away from recent hits like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Eddie Murphy is breaking a long-standing career pattern by taking on his first-ever lead role in a scripted television series. While Murphy has a storied history with Saturday Night Live and numerous stand-up specials, his recent years have been defined by film roles. According to the source, since 2016, Murphy has appeared in only eight movies, including titles such as Dolemite Is My Name (2019), Coming 2 America (2021), and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024).
This transition to long-form television follows a period of selective film appearances. Murphy's recent output has included You People (2023) and Candy Cane Lane (2023), as well as his 2025 role in The Pickup. The shift to a series format suggests a desire to explore more complex, sustained character arcs than the traditional film structure allows.
Peacock's silence on The Chairman's premiere and cast
Peacock has not yet provided specific details regarding the plot or the supporting ensemble for The Chairman. While the announcement has generated significant industry buzz, the streaming service has remained quiet about a potential release window. There is currently no information available regarding which actors will join Murphy in the series.
The lack of narrative clarity leaves several questions unanswered for fans and industry analysts alike. It remains unclear whether the series will lean into the dramatic storytelling style associated with Weiner's previous work or the comedic energy that defined Murphy's early career. Without a confirmed cast list or a synopsis, the project remains one of the most anticipated mysteries in upcoming television.
A heavy workload including the 2027 Shrek 5 release
The actor's upcoming schedule remains packed with major franchise commitments.. Murphy is slated to reprise his iconic role as Donkey in Shrek 5, which is currently scheduled for release on June 30, 2027. This high-profile voice role will run alongside his new responsibilities at Peacock.
In addition to The Chairman and the Shrek franchise, Murphy's recent projects have spanned different mediums. This includes the 2025 Netflix documentary Being Eddie,which offered a look into his life and career. The addition of a scripted series marks a significant expansion of his professional reach across streaming and traditional media.
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