How Eddie Murphy transformed a classic into a 1996 box-office juggernaut
In short: When Eddie Murphy took on the role of Sherman Klump, he didn't just remake a 1963 classic; he redefined his own career. With groundbreaking makeup effects and a dual-performance that balanced slapstick with genuine heart, the film became a massive commercial success and a surprising critical darling of the nineties.
Directed by Tom Shadyac, the 1996 version of The Nutty Professor moved far beyond a simple remake. Murphy, alongside writers Barry Blaustein, David Sheffield, and Steve Oedekerk, stripped the original story to its core, weaving in thematic elements from Jekyll and Hyde and Cyrano de Bergerac. The result was a film that felt entirely new, anchored by Murphy’s portrayal of the kind-hearted, morbidly obese professor Sherman Klump and his volatile, super-confident alter ego, Buddy Love.
The production relied heavily on the technical wizardry of makeup artist Rick Baker. To create the iconic look of the Klump family, Baker designed specialized fat suits made of urethane foam and spandex, filled with liquid-filled pockets to simulate natural movement. Murphy’s dedication was absolute; he spent over 80 days in the makeup chair, enduring three-hour daily application sessions without complaint. This commitment helped bring the character to life in a way that resonated with audiences, earning the film an A- grade from CinemaScore and a Best Makeup win at the 69th Academy Awards.
Commercially, the film was a powerhouse. It opened to over $25 million, topping the box office and eventually grossing more than $273 million worldwide. While the film leaned into the raucous humor typical of Murphy’s style, critics like Roger Ebert praised its sweet, good-hearted nature. Even Jerry Lewis, who served as an executive producer, later expressed mixed feelings about the remake, noting that while he respected Murphy, he felt the original 1963 film was a perfection that should have remained untouched. Despite this, the film’s success was undeniable, leading to a 2000 sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Nutty Professor (1996 film)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-the-nutty-professor-1996-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
