Coming 2 America sets up a better story for Coming to America 3. Thirty years following the events of Coming to America, the sequel picks up with Prince Akeem as he transitions into his role as king. He returns to Queens, New York after discovering he has a son, Lavelle, who is now the heir to the Zamundan throne. However, while Coming 2 America is largely focused on retreading the same story beats as its predecessor, it does lay the groundwork for a more original story in a potential third film.
Coming 2 America spends an inordinate amount of time rehashing the events of the first film. This is showcased through flashback scenes, a retelling of Akeem’s story from the royal hairdresser Mirembe, and a few callbacks to the original film’s jokes. In the case of Lavelle, his journey includes the same realizations Akeem has in Coming to America in that he chooses to marry for love rather than obligation. And, while Coming to America 3 is currently not in the cards and has not been confirmed, there are quite a few ways the story could branch out, one that could be far more unique in execution and is already strengthened by the setup in the second film.
Where the sequel primarily differs from the original is in its introduction of Meeka, Akeem and Lisa’s eldest daughter. She was raised to take on the duties and responsibilities of her role as Zamunda’s princess and a potential third film in the franchise could follow her journey towards becoming queen. Likewise, now that Lavelle has also been introduced, a potential third film could explore his story as the American ambassador to Zamunda. After all, Coming to America and its sequel have focused a lot on Akeem’s journey and a third film would greatly benefit by allowing him to step aside to center the next generation of Zamunda. Meeka and Lavelle’s backstories have already been laid out and all a third film would have to do is expand upon their characters and give them something meaty to work with.
Shifting the focus to Meeka and Lavelle would give the Coming to America franchise a fresh and exciting update. There are only so many times a sequel can relive the glory of the original film (and the 1980s) and Coming 2 America has already done that. Sequels need to evolve so they don’t become tiresome and dated. A potential third film could revolve around Meeka’s life and the changing policies of Zamunda. Now that Akeem has abolished the tradition that states only a male heir can rule, Meeka’s role will be a lot different and she’s an interesting character well worth focusing on. The same goes for Lavelle.
It’s possible Meeka could build a brighter future for Zamunda and aid her father in properly bridging the gap between their country and Nextdoria. A story involving Meeka and Lavelle working together professionally and personally while expanding on both of their lives beyond their familial connection to Akeem would be the wisest decision to make. What’s more, Coming to America 3 could expand upon life in Zamunda that go outside the palace walls, something which Coming 2 America neglected to do. All told, if a third film is given the greenlight, the only way to keep things from becoming stagnant is to allow Akeem’s children to take center stage.