Craig Brewer has been selected to direct Coming To America 2, according to a new report in Deadline. The sequel will continue the story of Akeem, an African prince who blew off his arranged marriage to seek true love in Queens. Brewer has just finished directing a movie with star Eddie Murphy, called Dolemite Is My Name, and the pair are reportedly very keen to work together again on this long-in-gestation follow up flick.
Kenya Barris, the creator of Black-ish, is currently rewriting a screenplay done by the writers of the first movie. Not too much is known about the plot, but Deadline writes that Akeem will learn “about a long lost son, and must return to America to meet his unlikely heir to the throne of Zamunda.”
The studio are hoping to bring back much of the original cast for Coming To America 2, including Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos and James Earl Jones.
Murphy has released an official statement on Brewer’s appointment:
“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 classic and beloved characters back to the big screen.”
“Craig’s ability to create a distinct cinematic world with each of his films is not only impressive, but also what made him exactly the voice and vision we needed to bring this story to life,” added writer Kenya Barris. “From Hustle And Flow to his work with Eddie on Dolemite Is My Name, he never fails to blow me away. He is a true auteur and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.”
Paramount is hoping to have the sequel in front of cameras this year, if all goes well.