Preliminary fittings for Coming to America 2 are officially happening

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

In addition to all of the laugh-out-loud moments, mesmerizing makeup, and snappy one-liners in John Landis' COMING TO AMERICA, the film's costuming remains one of its most impressive aspects to this very day. Even now, as I recall the 1988 comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, I can't help but marvel at the movie's elaborate Zumundan finery and Queens-inspired streetwear. For me, the costumes in COMING TO AMERICA did more than just look good on screen. They helped to tell stories about the people of Zumunda, particularly in relation to their talent and desire to celebrate their rich and colorful ancestry. And now, it looks as if the upcoming sequel is looking to continue those traditions, as evidenced by a pair of behind-the-scenes pics that show Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall being fitted as a part of the project's pre-production process.

The pics come courtesy of Ruth E. Carter's personal Twitter account. Ruth has over 40 films to her credit, and had just recently won an Oscar for her brilliant costuming work on Marvel's BLACK PANTHER. As you can see from the photos above, Carter looks to be quite stoked about conducting a preliminary fitting for Murphy and Hall, as she plans to re-introduce the people of Zumunda to fans both old and new.

Oh, and speaking of getting audience's reacquainted with COMING TO AMERICA's Prince Akeem (Murphy) and Semmi (Hall), it's worth mentioning that Paramount teased the duo's return at this year's Cinemacon by including them in a brief intro video for the studio's upcoming slate. In the clip, Murphy and Hall could be seen decked out in lavish Zumundan garb (i.e. the posh suits and gold jewelry they'd worn in the 1989 original). While it was just a "quick flash" of things to come, the footage does suggest that, at the very least, director Craig Brewer has shot an intro for the upcoming sequel.

Set to direct the follow-up to the John Landis' 1988 comedy starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, and Shari Headley is HUSTLE & FLOW helmer Craig Brewer, who will shoot from a newly-written screenplay by BLACK-ISH and GIRLS TRIP alum Kenya Barris. Confirmed to reprise his role as Akeem is Murphy, who in the first film traveled to Queens, New York in search of a strong-willed bride to help rule the African territory of Zamunda. The original is a fish-out-of-water comedy that saw both Murphy and Hall playing the parts of several characters in the uproarious film.

In the sequel, Akeem learns about a long lost son, and must return to America to meet his unlikely heir to the throne of Zamunda.

Barris will re-write the script penned by COMING TO AMERICA writers Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield, with Murphy on board to produce. Additionally, Kevin Misher and Barris will executive produce the sequel, which has fans of the original anxious for more adventures featuring the hapless and well-meaning members of Zumundan royalty.

Paramount's COMING TO AMERICA sequel will walk gallantly into theaters on August 7, 2020.