Coming 2 America has an official release date, Shadow and Act has learned! Amazon Studios has officially confirmed that it has picked up the film and it will drop on Amazon Prime Video on March 5, 2021, launching globally via the streaming service. Amazon Studios acquired the film from Paramount due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s impacts on the industry. It’s initial Paramount theatrical release date was Dec. 8.
There had been some premature rumblings and reports that it would drop before the end of the year, but that is not true.
Here’s the official logline provided by the studio: Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began. Original cast favorites from Coming to America return including King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones), Queen Lisa (Shari Headley), Cleo McDowell (John Amos), Maurice (Louie Anderson) and the motley barbershop crew. Joining this star-studded ensemble are Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Jermaine Fowler, KiKi Layne, Bella Murphy, Rotimi, Nomzamo Mbatha and Teyana Taylor, making Coming 2 America the most anticipated comedy film of the year.
Prior descriptions noted that the film will see Akeem (who is set to become Zamunda’s King) return to the U.S. to discover the son he never knew he had, LaVelle, to honor his dying father’s wish to see his grandson as prince.
“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. “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 favorite.”
“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,” said producer Kevin Misher.
Coming 2 America is directed by Craig Brewer. The film is from Paramount Pictures in association with New Republic Pictures, and produced by Eddie Murphy Productions and Misher Films. The screenplay is written by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield, with story by Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield and Justin Kanew, based on characters created by Eddie Murphy. The producers are Kevin Misher and Eddie Murphy, executive producers are Brian Oliver, Bradley Fischer, Valerii An, Kenya Barris, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, Michele Imperato Stabile and Andy Berman.
Photo: Paramount
