MUMBAI: The fourth film in the series is under discussion to be produced, after looking at the success of the TV series pilot episode last year.

The first film was released in 1984 and the third in 1994 after which it stopped. The first three installments together grossed about $750 million.

Eddie Murphy will still be playing the role of Axel Foley, the Detroid-based tough cop. Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec who have had successful stints in movies such as Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are also part of the ensemble.

The decision came after a tough bidding for the series on TV ensued, before going to CBS. The pilot was produced by Sony Pictures TV with Paramount as rights holder. However, the series was never aired but it has created enough buzz to be made into a fourth installment in the franchise.