Beverly Hills Cop 3 ending explained: 3 key things to remember before watching Axel F

It’s been 30 years since Beverly Hills Cop 3 was released (1994) and 40 years since the original (1984). Like most trilogies, the third is usually the weakest. The difference here is Eddie Murphy still shined as the classic action star, Axel Foley. Now, it’s time for Axel to make his return differently. Instead of the franchise premiering in theaters, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a Netflix exclusive. 

Before you watch Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (debuting on July 3), here are some things you need to know.

Ending explained

Despite all of Axel Foley’s reckless behavior, he gets the job done, and Beverly Hills Cop 3 is a perfect example. 

Axel Foley followed a lead that started in Detroit and led him to (of all places) a theme park in California called Wonder World. The corruption begins with the security at the amusement park and doesn’t end there. Axel discovers that United States Secret Service Agent Steve Fulbright is involved in things, too. While this does end with Billy and Jon Flint getting shot, the day is saved and Axel is celebrated as a hero who revealed corruption within the police, the United States Secret Service, and Wonder World.

Janice Perkins may be Jane's mother

During the celebration, Wonder World employee Janice Perkins wheels Axel away. It’s (blatantly) hinted they’re going off to have sex. With Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F being a continuation of the series, Axel’s daughter Jane (played by Taylour Paige) is likely their daughter.

It wouldn’t be shocking if Janice died in between movies. It's a storyline that will help the plot between Axel and Jane. It would also explain why Jane doesn't speak to her father or why they're in California instead of Detroit. However, their damaged relationship is probably because Axel chose the job over caring for his kid. This could be considered a cliche trope, but when it’s done right, it works.

Axel’s friend Billy is by the book

On top of Axel’s daughter seemingly detesting him, she’s in danger. If that isn’t enough, his friend and former unofficial partner Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) is working undercover. It also looks like Axel brings John Taggart (John Ashton) to help him. The smart bet is that they’ll all work together to protect Alex’s daughter.

Unlike John Taggert, Billy has been in each of the Beverly Hills Cop movies. In Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Billy is severely injured and passes out from pain (and likely blood loss). And despite being by the book, Billy is always up for Axel’s shenanigans. He even said he misses him in the trailer. Let’s see what kind of foolishness they get into in this one. The helicopter and snow plow are only the beginning.

Serge returns

The once art gallery owner in Beverly Hills Cop turned into the owner of Serge’s Survival Boutique in Beverly Hills Cop 3. All his items come with the three P’s: protection, prestige, and pretty. During part three, Serge helps Axel go into the final battle by giving him the Annihilator 2000. The weapon is so destructive that Axel puts it down out of fear.

Serge returning means we’ll see more intense weapons. He’s had decades to invent more things, and it’s doubtful the Annihilator 2000 was the best he created. Although, it would be funny if it returned and Axel refused to use it.

Will you watch Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F? Did you think you'd see Eddie Murphy in this role again?