Tracy Morgan will join the cast of Paramount’s “Coming 2 America,” the sequel to Eddie Murphy’s 1988 cult comedy.
Directed by John Landis, “Coming to America” followed Akeem (Murphy), the spoiled prince of a fictional African nation who protests against an arranged marriage set by his father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones). Traveling to America, he goes undercover as a fast-food employee while searching for a woman to take as his wife with the help of his friend, Semmi (Arsenio Hall).
The sequel will follow Akeem as he returns to New York to find his long-lost son and groom him to become his successor to the throne. Morgan will play the son’s uncle, a hustler named Reem whose sister, played by Leslie Jones, gave birth to the unwitting heir after a one night stand with Akeem.
Paul Bates will also return as royal servant Oha, while “If Beale Street Could Talk” star Kiki Layne is also set to join as Akeem’s daughter. Wesley Snipes was reported earlier this month to join as General Izzi, a ruler of a nation bordering Prince Akeem’s home.
“Coming 2 America” will be directed by Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow”) and produced by Murphy, Kevin Misher and Kenya Barris. Shooting is set to begin this fall for an August 2020 release.
Morgan is repped by CAA and Hansen Jacobson. The signing was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.