How Much Will Eddie Murphy’s Oscar Exit Hurt His Career? (Analysis)

THR: In his recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Eddie Murphy described himself as “a semi-retired gentleman of leisure,” adding, "I only want to do what I really want to do, otherwise I'm content to sit here and play my guitar all day."

That may be just as well.

By pulling out of his gig hosting the Academy Awards following the exit of Brett Ratner as producer, some top industry insiders say Murphy has not done himself any favors when it comes to securing future movies. “It was a career mistake,” says one senior member of the Academy. “What the hell was he thinking?”