'Coming 2 America': Eddie Murphy is Prince Akeem again in first look image
It has been a long time coming, but Eddie Murphy has become Prince Akeem of Zamunda once again in this first look image from sequel Coming 2 America.
More than 30 years after classic comedy Coming to America introduced the character, Murphy has reprised the role for a sequel.
Having originally been earmarked for a theatrical release in 2020, the movie will now debut exclusively via Amazon Prime Video after a big-money deal worth $125m (£92m) was inked between the streamer and Paramount Pictures.
Read more: Beverly Hills Cop IV still on the way
Prince Akeem is on the verge of becoming king when he learns that he has a son in New York City — played by comedian Jermaine Fowler — about whom he was previously unaware.
With his best friend Semmi (Arsenio Hall) again in tow, Akeem returns to American in order to honour his father’s wish that Akeem groom his own son as the next crown prince.
Watch: Eddie Murphy and director Craig Brewer tease Coming 2 America
James Earl Jones will again play Akeem’s father, while Shari Headley will reprise her role as Lisa McDowell — Akeem’s American wife.
Among the new additions to the ensemble are KiKi Layne, Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan.
A series of further stills released by Amazon showcase some of the new and returning cast members, as well as Murphy in one of his other characters as barbershop owner Clarence.
Craig Brewer has replaced John Landis in the director’s chair, having worked with Murphy as director of the enjoyable comedy biopic Dolemite Is My Name in 2019.
Read more: Eddie Murphy on surreal encounter with Prince
“This is the perfect time to return to Zamunda because it’s been a while since we’ve had a great comedy that everybody can enjoy,” says Murphy.
He adds: “Zamunda is a very funny place, and the world needs that right now.”
Murphy says that all involved have “brought their A-game” to the film to make the laughs land as hard as possible.
He adds: “What I’m most excited about the audience seeing is how amazing this movie is. It's just a great picture and I’m excited to have audiences see it.”
Read more: Murphy says stand-up return will likely end movie career
Murphy is next set to return to another of his most iconic roles, making another Beverly Hills Cop movie for Netflix.
Coming 2 America will debut on Amazon Prime Video on 5 March, 2021.
Watch: Eddie Murphy discusses “cancel culture”
