Coming to America 2 has cast Tracy Morgan. The sequel to Eddie Murphy’s hit 1988 comedy has been a long time coming, but with each passing day, fans are becoming increasingly aware of what exactly what Murphy has in store.
The sequel initially began as little more than a series of questions and rumors back in March of 2017, but as time went by, fans received word that the sequel was indeed happening. Ever since the official announcement was made, Murphy has seemingly taken every precaution to maintain the integrity of the original film – bringing back many of its original stars and working to write a script that connected the events (or at least some of the events) of the original film with the sequel. For those who don’t remember, the original Coming to America showcased Murphy in a variety of hilarious smaller roles while he also portrayed the main character of Prince Akeem, who travelled to New York City (Queens, to be exact), in search of love. Accompanying him on his journey was his right-hand man, Semmi (Arsenio Hall).
To date we know that aside from the return of Murphy in the role of the now soon to be King Akeem, Hall will be returning as Semmi, as well as James Earl Jones as the ailing King of Zamunda. Shari Headley will once again portray Lisa - Akeem’s wife, John Amos is back as her father Cleo - who owned and operated the rather questionable McDowell’s fast food outlet, and even faithful McDowell’s employee Maurice (Louie Anderson) is also rumored to be returning for more. In addition to all this, THR is reporting that SNL and comedy veteran Tracy Morgan is also on board the upcoming and highly anticipated sequel.
Morgan will join a cast that, aside from its wide array of original returning cast members, also boasts a lengthy lineup of new talent. Joining the new party are Leslie Jones (SNL), Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Wesley Snipes (Blade). Morgan will reportedly play Reem, a street hustler and brother of Jones’ character. The sequel’s plot deals with the death of the current king of the fictional African nation of Zamunda (James Earl Jones), whose dying wish is that Murphy return to America to collect his illegitimate son and groom him as the next prince of Zamunda. Leslie Jones will play Murphy’s one time, one-night stand and mother of his child, Lavelle. While Murphy was originally rumored to be playing the film’s antagonist, it now looks more like that role has gone to Snipes, who plays the ruler of Zamunda’s neighboring (and equally fictitious) African nation.
With its impressive and recognizable cast, as well as a new script from Murphy and directing duties going to Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Empire), this film is starting to look like it very well could be the return to form that Murphy fans have been waiting for. Of course, it’s likely far too soon to have those sorts of expectations, but given that Murphy is back with material he knows and loves, fans are hoping that Coming to America 2 is every bit as funny and charming as its predecessor was over thirty years ago.
Source: THR