Craig Brewer to Direct Coming To America 2, Eddie Murphy Returning

Paramount Pictures have finally found a director for their Coming to America sequel in Craig Brewer. Deadline reports that Brewer, who directed Eddie Murphy in Dolemite Is My Name, will helm the sequel. Kenya Barris (black-ish) is rewriting the most recent script that was done by the original film’s writers Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield, with Murphy set to reprise his role as Akeem.

The sequel, which has been in development hell for years, will see Akeem learn that he has a long-lost son. He travels back to America to meet his boy, who is now the heir to Zamunda. The plan is to bring back all of the original cast including Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, and James Earl Jones. The hope is to begin production this year.

“After many years of anticipation, I’m thrilled that Coming to America 2 is officially moving forward,” Murphy said in a statement. “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.”

Barris added, “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. 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.”