Coming to America 2 has cast Wesley Snipes, and more. The original Coming to America was a huge hit for actor/comedian Eddie Murphy back in 1988. It was also the first time that audiences got to see Murphy branch out and play a number of roles in the same film.
Dealing with issues of love, obligation and broadening one’s horizons, Coming to America followed the journey of Akeem (Murphy) the naïve prince of the fictitious African nation of Zamunda. When Akeem turns 21, his father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) tells him that he's to be married. But Akeem isn’t interested in a bride who behaves like a servant and instead, he asks his parents if he can travel to America in search of true love. Joining him on the journey that takes him to Queens, New York is his wingman Semmi (Arsenio Hall), and together the two discover a world that's much different than their own, filled with confusion and challenges. The film remains a favorite among Murphy fans even to this day, and news that a sequel is on its way has been a great source of excitement for anyone who still loves the original.
It's been a bit of a wait for more information on Coming to America 2 ever since it was confirmed. Fortunately, some new information has arrived in terms of casting, and it comes courtesy of Deadline and THR. Wesley Snipes, star of such popular hits as the Blade franchise and The Expendables 3, is one of the latest stars to join the cast of Murphy’s upcoming sequel. Murphy has long held a strong respect for Snipes’ acting abilities, and this has undoubtedly been a factor in the casting decision. In addition to Snipes, newcomer Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) has been cast, with Leslie Jones (SNL, Ghostbusters) in talks to also board the upcoming sequel.
As for exactly what sort of character Snipes will be playing in the sequel, Deadline has revealed that he’ll take on the role of General Izzi, ruler of Zamunda’s neighboring fictitious African nation. The name of that nation hasn't presently been identified. Based on this information, it’s hard to say exactly how big Snipes’ role will be overall. But what's known about the film’s story is that this time around, Akeem is getting set to become King of Zamunda when he discovers that he has a son that he was unaware of in America. The street smart New Yorker is called Lavelle, and when Akeem’s father makes the dying wish of wanting Akeem to travel to New York to collect Lavelle - who's the rightful heir to the title of Prince of Zamunda - Akeem must once again set off for the concrete jungle of New York City. Meanwhile, Layne will play Prince Akeem's daughter, who's long been troubled by her father treating her as though she were the son that he never had. At present, Jones' role, if she's officially cast, hasn't been revealed.
By adding Snipes to the film, Murphy has set up a potential onscreen foe, who for whatever reason, might be trying to stop Lavelle from being brought back to Zamunda. This is complete conjecture, of course, but it doesn’t seem to make much sense to bring Snipes on as an ally. To date we know that Murphy himself was set to play the film's villainous General Izzi, but this latest news now likely means that unless the character itself has changed, then Snipes will indeed be the film's antagonist. In other words, Coming to America 2, should see Snipes make a hilarious addition to Murphy’s latest journey.