Coming 2 America - Eddie Murphy is back as King Akeem: When is the sequel released on Amazon? Who is in the cast? Watch the trailer

It’s been over three decades since Eddie Murphy last stepped into the crown and gowns of Prince Akeem in the classic comedy Coming To America.

A box office sensation that took over $288 million worldwide, the 1988 film followed  Zamundan Prince Akeem's search for an American bride - a quest which naturally took him to the New York borough of Queens. 

Murphy was at the peak of his comedic powers in the fish-out-of-water movie, so much so that it's a surprise we've had to wait this long for a sequel.

But this Spring, Murphy returns to the iconic character - recently crowned King Akeem - for a highly anticipated follow-up, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video .

One of the movie events of the year, here is everything you need to know about Coming 2 America…

When is Coming 2 America out in the UK?

This long-awaited sequel starring Eddie Murphy and all the original cast favourites is now available on Amazon Prime Video.

Amazon Studios acquired the worldwide rights to the highly anticipated sequel from Paramount Pictures.

What is the plot of Coming 2 America?

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. 

The trailer reveals that when they reach Queens, they discover that Akeem has a son he never knew with Mary (Leslie Jones). Their son Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler) is in line to be the next king, so they all return together to Zamunda.

Not only does Mary and Lavelle’s arrival cause trouble for Akeem when they get home, he also has the problem of Wesley Snipes’ character General Izzi to deal with.

Coming 2 America reviews - the verdict

The critics verdict on the Coming To America sequel is in and there are lots of warm words for Eddie Murphy's comedy comeback.

Polygon said: "Murphy and Hall rekindle their onscreen friendship, to endearing effect. Throwback 1980s artists En Vogue and Salt-N-Pepa perform for Jaffe. An outlandish guest appearance from Morgan Freeman kills comedically.

"And Jones and Murphy share a touching scene that unapologetically pulls at the heartstrings."

Rolling Stone praised the new cast members, writing: "A movie that’s funniest when it plays the hits and when, thanks to some fresh faces in the room — among them Leslie Jones, Wesley Snipes, Tracy Morgan, and Nomzamo Mbatha — it adds characters who fit in so seamlessly they could just have well been in the original."

Empire magazine said: "It’s a colourful, likeable re-spinning, replete with big dance sequences (one bizarrely to Prince’s 1991 banger ‘Gett Off’), a string of cameos, obvious messaging (walk your own path, kids) and gentle skewering of the Black experience, from gentrification to eschewing ideas around primitivism."

Hey U Guys was very impressed with the film, commenting: "At a time like this, when everyone is stuck at home, missing their loved ones or going through the trauma of the past year – a film like this, that makes your abs hurt from all the laughing, is something that should be applauded."

And The Observer gave the movie four stars, writing: "There are enough in-jokes and returning characters to keep fans happy (admirers of Randy Watson and his band Sexual Chocolate needn’t fret).

"A flashback involving Lavelle’s mum Mary (Ghostbusters’ Leslie Jones) and a pumpkin spice scented candle made me bark with laughter. The film proudly celebrates a wide swathe of Black culture; there’s a throwaway gag about cult TV sitcom Benson, a cameo from 90s R&B group En Vogue, and gorgeous Ankara-print costumes designed by Ruth E Carter (Black Panther)."

Watch the Coming 2 America trailer

Amazon Prime Video used a Super Bowl advert slot to reveal a new trailer for Eddie Murphy's comeback in Coming 2 America.

Giving us another glimpse at Zamunda, it looks like the second film will spend more time in Africa, rather than New York City.

Akeem’s relationship with his son will be at the heart of the sequel, but fans can also expect lots of laughs from Murphy and Arsenio Hall's multiple characters.

The return of Sexual Chocolate Randy Watson - the chocu-mentary

One of the many highly-anticipated comebacks in Coming 2 America is an appearance from the magnetic Sexual Chocolate frontman Randy Watson.

And for fans of the musician who exploded onto the stage on 1988's Coming To America, they won't be disappointed by the sequel.

There is also an added bonus for fans of the vibrant and iconic star - a new 'chocu-mentary' from Amazon: Sexual Chocolate: Beneath the Wrapper.

With contributions from everyone whose life Watson has touched – including Nile Rodgers, Kelis, Trevor Nelson, En Vogue, Shaggy, Stefflon Don and Davido – viewers will learn about Randy Watson’s far-reaching influence on modern music, told through personal experiences and anecdotes of the man, the musician and the friend, along with theories about his disappearance and where he went for over 30 years.

Who is in the Coming 2 America cast?

Murphy and Arsenio Hall will reunite as King Akeem and trusted confidante Semmi.

Other stars returning from the first movie include James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer, Shari Headley as Queen Lisa, John Amos as Cleo McDowell and Louie Anderson as Maurice.

There will also be some major new additions to the cast with Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Bella Murphy, Nomzamo Mbatha, Teyana Taylor, Jermaine Fowler and Kiki Layne all in the star-studded ensemble.

Who is the director?

Craig Brewer is behind the camera on the movie.

Brewer previously collaborated with Murphy on Dolemite Is My Name.

He also directed on the hit TV series Empire.

Why bring back Coming 2 America after 33 years?

“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 favourite.”

Producer Kevin Misher added: “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.”

Director Craig Brewer told Entertainment Weekly: “We just hope everybody comes together and has a great time with some old friends. Definitely in the world, we’re living in right now we could use some Akeem and Semmi in our lives.

Eddie Murphy explained: “This is the perfect time to return to Zamunda because it’s been a while since we’ve had a great comedy that everybody can enjoy. Zamunda is a very funny place, and the world needs that right now."

Want more Eddie Murphy?

If you can’t wait for March 5, Prime Video have just dropped a ton of Eddie Murphy classics.

From his action comedy capers with Nick Nolte in 48 Hours, to his impressive Oscar-nominated performance in Dreamgirls and the original Coming To America, there’s loads of hilarious and iconic films to choose from.

What is Eddie Murphy doing next?

Murphy appears to have refound his mojo after his critically acclaimed performance in Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name.

After Coming 2 America, he’s bringing back another one his iconic 80s movies, Beverly Hills Cop.

Murphy has signed up to play Axel Foley again in Beverly Hills Cop 4, which will be released on Netflix.

He’s also rumoured to be appearing in the sequel to another 1988 movie, Twins, alongside Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new film will be titled, unsurprisingly, Triplets.

Watch Coming 2 America on Prime Video from Friday, March 5.