With the sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed black movies of all time Coming to America taking shape as its release date nears, more black superstars are joining Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in the star-studded cast.
According to Deadline, veteran actor James Earl Jones and Paul Bates will return to the sequel to reprise their respective roles as “King Jaffe Joffer”, Akeem’s father and King of Zamunda and “Oha”, the servant loyal to the crown.
The new additions to the highly anticipated movie include Wesley Snipes, who will reportedly play “General Izzi”, the leader of Zamunda’s neighbouring country; KiKi Layne, who will play Prince Akeem’s daughter, as well as, Jermaine Fowler, who would play Akeem’s long lost son. Multi-platinum selling rapper Rick Ross has also reportedly made the cast though his role hasn’t been revealed.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones could also join the cast.
In the first instalment of the movie, Akeem (Eddie Murphy) leaves the Kingdom of Zamunda to America, where he seeks a wife. He is accompanied by his aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall).
In the second instalment, Akeem has just found out that he left a son in America and travels back in search of the next heir of the Kingdom of Zamunda.
Set to be released in theatres next year, Black-ish creator Kenya Barris was chosen to re-write the script by original writers and executive produce it. Murphy and Kevin Misher are slated as the producers and Craig Brewer as the director, according to an announcement by Paramount.
“After many years of anticipation, I’m thrilled that Coming to America 2 is officially moving forward. We’ve assembled a great team that will be led by Craig Brewer, who just did an amazing job on Dolemite, and I’m looking forward to bringing all these classic and beloved characters back to the big screen,” Murphy said in a statement.
As we wait for the official trailer, let’s take ourselves back in time to the original movie!
