Update: Deadline reports that James Earl Jones will be return for the sequel as well, reprising as King Jaffe Joffer with Paul Bates set to return as Oha. In addition, musician Rick Ross has joined the cast.
The original story follows.
The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Wesley Snipes has joined the cast of the Coming to America sequel, reportedly stylized as “Coming 2 America.” Snipes will pay a new character for the sequel, named “General Izzi,” described as “a man who rules a neighboring nation” from Eddie Murphy’s Akeem.
RELATED: Hustle & Flow’s Craig Brewer to Direct Coming To America Sequel
The film will be directed by Craig Brewer, who previously worked with Paramount Pictures on Hustle & Flow, Blake Snake Moan and the 2011 Footloose remake. black-ish creator Kenya Barris penned the script. Snipes joins a cast that sees the return of Murphy alogn with Arsenio Hall and newcomer Jermaine Fowler.
The original film was directed by John Landis, and starred Murphy as a wealthy African prince who comes to Queens, New York posing as a poor man to search for a bride. The film co-starred James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, John Amos, Eriq La Salle and Louie Anderson.
Murphy has kept a low profile over the last five years, only starring in one film, the dramatic 2016 dud Mr. Church. He’s been attached to several non-starter projects, including Beverly Hills Cop IV, a Twins sequel titled Triplets, and a Richard Pryor biopic from Lee Daniels. The upcoming sequel will mark the second collaboration between Brewer and Murphy, who directed the upcoming biographical comedy Dolemite is My Name last year which is expected to hit Netflix sometime this year.
RELATED: Keegan-Michael Key to Star in Dolemite Is My Name!
The follow-up to the acclaimed 1988 comedy has landed an August 7, 2020 release date.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
