Eddie Murphy to serve up drama in 'Cook'

The comedic actor will play the titular cook in this drama feature, in which a dying man hires someone to prepare food for his girlfriend and daughter once he is gone.

Around eight years after "Dreamgirls," Eddie Murphy is planning a return to the drama genre. Known for his often outrageous comedies, the star who rose to fame in the 70s earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in the 2006 feature.

According to producer Mark Canton ("300," "Escape Plan"), in conversation with Empire, "Cook" is "a small story -- a true story -- of a family and a guy who comes into their lives." Eddie Murphy will play the guy in question, who comes to shape the day-to-day existence of a family coming to terms with death.

Confirming that the role will mark a change of register for Murphy, the producer compared "Cook" to the drama "Cake," due in theaters next year, which stars a physically transformed Jennifer Aniston. He also cited Matthew McConaughey's shift to more dramatic TV and film roles over the past few years.

"Everyone now wants to do what Matt McConaughey did, so we're financing these movies when we think they're put together the right way," Canton said. "This will be Eddie Murphy like you've never seen him. Of that I can assure you."

Written by Susan McMartin ("Californication"), "Cook" will be helmed by Bruce Beresford ("Driving Miss Daisy," "Double Jeopardy") and is slated to start lensing next month.

Of course, this doesn't mean Murphy is leaving comedy behind. The actor is also on track to shoot a fourth "Beverly Hills Cop" movie as well as "Triplets," a sequel to the 1989 film "Twins" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.