*As we previously reported, Eddie Murphy’s highly anticipated sequel to his hit ’80s comedy “Coming to America” has added Wesley Snipes to the cast, in addition to James Earl Jones, and rapper Rick Ross.
Comedian Leslie Jones has now been added to the mix, movieweb.com reports. The outlet notes that Jones as signed on for an unspecified role.
The original film follows Murphy as Prince Akeem from the fictional African nation, Zamunda, as he sets off on a journey to Queens, New York, to find himself a wife. People notes that this time around, Akeem will return to America 30 years later with hopes of finding his long-lost son.
Snipes will play General Izzi, the ruler of the fictional African nation that borders Akeem’s kingdom. Arsenio is reprising his role of Akeem’s best friend, Semmi. James Earl Jones will also be reprising his role as King Jaffe Joffer.
OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: LA Civil Rights Leaders Campaign to Remove Ronald Reagan’s Name from State Office Bldg in LA.
Emmy-nominee, writer & actor Leslie Jones! ?? @LesDoggg #AngryBirdsMovie2 pic.twitter.com/XwC5jThaPG
— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) August 9, 2019
“Hustle & Flow” director Craig Brewer is set to helm the project. “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris is re-writing a previous draft of the sequel script from original “Coming to America” writers, Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield, per comicbook.com.
“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,” Murphy said in a statement.
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.”
Meanwhile, Leslie “will bring her exuberant energy and cutting comedy to Netflix members around the world with a new hour-long standup special,” according to a press release. The special will launch globally on Netflix in 2020.
Jones announced her special on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” this week — watch the clip below:
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
