Eddie Murphy Confirmed to Return for “Coming to America 2”

Actor Eddie Murphy has recently confirmed in a statement that a sequel to his 1988 comedy Coming to America will start production. Murphy has said:

“After many years of anticipation, I’m thrilled that Coming to America 2 is officially moving forward. 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 classes and beloved characters back to the big screen.”

In this sequel, Murphy will reprise the role of fictional African prince Akeem. The original movie was about Akeem, a pampered prince, traveling to New York City undercover to find a wife.  The sequel will follow Akeem as he returns from Zamunda to the United States to re-connect with his son and the heir to the throne. The original film also co-starred Arsenio Hall (Black Dynamite), James Earl Jones (Star Wars), Shari Headley (The Haves and the Have Nots), and John Amos (Die Hard 2). It is unknown whether or not these actors will be reprising their roles for the sequel. It’s also been stated that black-ish creator Kenya Barris will be involved.

Eddie Murphy is mostly known for his comedic roles, such as in The Nutty Professor, Shrek, and Beverly Hills Cop. But he’s also apprised some dramatic roles, such as his role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls. He was nominated for an Oscar for his Dreamgirls performance in 2007. Murphy won a Golden Globe for that same performance as well as a Best Supporting Actor award from the African-American Film Critics Association, or AFFCA. Murphy is known for saying:

“I keep telling people I’ll make movies until I’m fifty and then I’ll go and do something else. I’m going to be a professional gentleman of leisure.”

The actor is currently 57 years old and still as charming as ever.

Are you excited for Coming to America 2? Let us know in the comments below!