KiKi Layne has been cast as the daughter of Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) in Coming to America 2.
She is the latest in a string of Tuesday casting revelations for the film, including returners James Earl Jones and Paul Bates and newcomers Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones and Rick Ross. They all join the previously-announced Murphy, Arsenio Hall and Jermaine Fowler. The film will see Akeem return to the U.S. to discover the son he never knew he had, Lavelle (presumably Fowler).
According to The Hollywood Reporter, who broke the news of Layne and Jones’ casting, Layne will play Akeem’s daughter, who is “burdened with feeling like she is the son her father never had.”
The news of Layne’s casting finally confirms the initial reports that the film would feature two Zamundan heirs, Lavelle and Meeka. That April report said that “LaVelle” was a as a 30-year-old Queens hustler with a heart of gold. Raised by his mother, LaVelle wants a better life for himself, which could be right around the corner as he learns that he’s the possible Zamundan heir. LaVelle “has the gift of gab, able to crack wise with humor, but is by no means a clown” and he “struggles with discipline, authority and self-motivation.” Meeka, on the other hand, is the 20-year-old “proud and principled daughter of Zamunda” who is “athletic and skilled in the art of self-defense, but she is also measured in her temperament, always seeking a calm, diplomatic solution to conflict.” Meeka is beautiful and capable, but still holds anxiety over “wanting to be the son Akeem never had.” Her challenge is to show her father her true self and “be brave with her heart.”
Coming to America 2 will be directed by Craig Brewer from a script by Kenya Barris. The film will be out in theaters in 2020.
Layne, who made her debut in Barry Jenkins’ critically-acclaimed film, If Beale Street Could Talk, has the action film The Old Guard with Charlize Theron next on her list.
READ MORE:
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‘Coming To America 2’: Jermaine Fowler Cast As One Of The Leads Opposite Eddie Murphy In Sequel
Here Are The Descriptions Of The Young Leads Vying To Be Zamunda’s Heir In ‘Coming To America 2’
Oscar Winner Ruth E. Carter Tapped As Costume Designer For ‘Coming To America 2’
The Upcoming ‘Coming To America’ Sequel Now Has A Release Date
‘Coming to America 2’ Is Officially In The Works As Sequel Gets A Director And Plot
Photo: Getty Images
