Having just recently wrapped filming on the Rudy Ray Moore biopic Dolemite Is My Name, director Craig Brewer and star Eddie Murphy are set to reunite on the long-rumoured comedy sequel Coming to America 2.
According to Deadline, the sequel to the 1988 classic will see Murphy’s Akeem learning about a long lost son and returning to America to meet the new heir to the throne of Zamuda.
So far, only Murphy is on board, but the plan is to bring back original cast members Arsenio Hall (Semmi), Shari Headley (Lisa), John Amos (Mr. McDowell) and James Earl Jones (King Jaffe).
“After many years of anticipation, I’m thrilled that Coming to America 2 is officially moving forward,” said Murphy. “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.”
“Craig’s ability to create a distinct cinematic world with each of his films is not only impressive, but also what made him exactly the voice and vision we needed to bring this story to life,” added screenwriter Kenya Barris (Black-ish). “From Hustle and Flow to his work with Eddie on Dolemite Is My Name, he never fails to blow me away. He is a true auteur and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.”
As yet there is no word on a release date, but the hope is that filming will get underway at some point this year.