ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Coming To America Sequel Release Date Confirmed After Amazon Acquires Rights

Coming To America Sequel Release Date Confirmed After Amazon Acquires Rights

Eddie Murphy is back as Akeem in Coming 2 America, which will come out nearly 33 years after the original

Simon Catling

Simon Catling

The sequel to Coming To America has finally been granted a release date, after Amazon acquired the rights to the film from Paramount Pictures.

Coming 2 America, the long-awaited follow-up to Eddie Murphy's 1988 classic, will hit Amazon Prime Video on 5 March next year

It was reported back in October that Paramount were trying to sell the rights to the film for $125 million.

Insiders told Variety that the studio believed the film wouldn't stand any chance of financial success in cinemas while the coronavirus pandemic was ongoing.

Paramount Pictures

Admittedly, the March 2021 launch date isn't great news for anyone excited by earlier rumours of a December premiere.

With Amazon picking it up, however, the news will come as a delight for those who consider the original one of the classic Hollywood comedies of the 1980s - with many of the original cast returning for the sequel.

Eddie Murphy is back, of course, as the now newly-crowned King Akeem, alongside his trusted confidante Semmi (played by Arsenio Hall).

Eddie Murphy Says He's 'Over The Moon' With Coming To America 2
Eddie Murphy Says He's 'Over The Moon' With Coming To America 2

Others making their return 32 years after the original include characters King Jaffe Joffer (played James Earl Jones), Queen Lisa (Shari Headley), Cleo McDowell (John Amos), Maurice (Louie Anderson) and the motley barbershop crew.

The original was directed by veteran John Landis, but at the helm this time is Dolemite is my Name and Empire director Craig Brewer - who was just 16 years old when the first film was released.

The sequel sees King Akeem back in his native Zamunda, before once again journeying to Queens in New York - where his on-film story began all those years ago.

Paramount Pictures

"Coming to America was a cultural phenomenon that is one of the most loved and celebrated comedies of all time," said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios in a press statement.

"Thanks to Eddie Murphy's comedic genius along with the brilliant filmmakers, writers and fabulous cast, we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this new adventure.

"We know audiences around the world will fall in love with this hilarious, joyful movie that will surely become a timeless favourite."

Producer Kevin Misher added: "What could be better than a return to Zamunda?

"We are so excited for Amazon Studios to bring Eddie Murphy and Coming 2 America to a worldwide audience where they can laugh again with characters they have loved for 30 years, and meet new ones that they will love for years to come."

The countdown to release starts now.

Featured Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Topics: TV and Film