Murray (strongman character)

Lore & Background

Murray is a large, purple hippopotamus who grew up alongside Sly Cooper and Bentley at the Happy Camper Orphanage. He was the first to be recruited by Sly into the Cooper Gang, serving as the muscle for their heists. In the original trilogy, Murray is characterized by his immense physical strength, his love for food (especially hot dogs), and his catchphrase 'Boom!' He drives the gang's van and is often the one to break down doors or take down multiple guards at once, though his impulsiveness sometimes gets the gang into trouble. During the events of Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Murray's confidence is shaken after a serious injury, leading to a crisis of identity. He temporarily leaves the gang to find himself, eventually returning with a newfound sense of inner peace and a fascination with Eastern philosophy. This transformation continues in Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, where Murray adopts a more zen-like demeanor, practicing meditation and speaking in koans, yet still unleashing his strength when needed. His arc is one of the most pronounced in the series, showing growth from a simple brawler to a character who values balance and friendship above all.

In Their Own Story

The van's engine rumbled as Murray gripped the wheel, the Cooper Gang's latest prize—a golden scepter—clattering in the back. 'Okay, Sly, you got the goods?' he shouted into the headset, sweat beading on his purple brow. Bentley's voice crackled: 'We're clear, Murray. But the guards are closing in on your position.' Murray grinned, stomping the accelerator. 'Time for the Murray special!' He swerved, the van's side panel scraping a wall, sparks flying. 'Boom!' he yelled, as they shot into the night, leaving the Klaww Gang's goons in a cloud of dust. For Murray, it was just another day—a mix of chaos, cookies, and camaraderie. He'd already stashed a bag of chili dogs under the driver's seat, just in case.

Reader's Guide

Murray was developed by Sucker Punch Productions for the Sly Cooper series, first appearing in Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus (2002) on the PlayStation 2. The character was designed to be a comic foil to Sly's cool demeanor and Bentley's intellect, with his exaggerated strength and love of food providing both gameplay variety and humor. His voice actor, David Scully, brought a distinctive, booming energy that became a fan favorite. Critically, Murray was well-received for his character arc, particularly in Sly 2 and Sly 3, where his journey from brashness to a more contemplative nature was praised as a highlight of the series' storytelling. His gameplay sections often involve brute-force combat or driving sequences, which were seen as a fun contrast to Sly's stealth. The character's legacy endures as one of gaming's most beloved sidekicks, with his catchphrases and transformation remembered fondly by fans of the platformer genre.

Did You Know?

• Murray's original design concept was more aggressive, but the team softened his look to make him more endearing.
• In Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, Murray's voice actor David Scully also voiced several other characters, including the Guru.
• Murray's van, known as the 'Cooper Van,' appears in every main game and is often customizable in later titles.
• Despite his size, Murray is surprisingly agile and can perform wrestling moves like the 'Hippo Hurler' in combat.