John Amos has reportedly signed on for the Coming to America sequel, a gig that will reunite him with original cast members Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Paul Bates, and James Earl Jones.
Deadline reports the 79-year-old actor is set to reprise his role as Cleo McDowell, the owner of the McDowell's fast-food joint where Prince Akeem (Murphy) was employed. His character was also the father of Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley), Akeem's love interest in the film. Amos expressed his interest in returning for the sequel in early 2019, around the time Murphy confirmed his involvement.
"I know if they do want me back, I'm looking forward to it. It was a gas the first time out, the second time could be even better," he told TMZ. "[...] I'd like to think they're going to bring Mr. McDowell back if for no other reason just to show the continuation of the characters that were established the first time out [...] I think have some ideas that might work if they're receptive."
The original 1988 film followed the character of Prince Akeem as he traveled to Queens to escape an arranged marriage and find true love. The second installment will find Akeem as he prepares to become king of the fictional Zamunda; however, his plans are derailed after he learns about his long-lost son back in the U.S.
Coming 2 America will be directed by Craig Brewer and written by Kenya Barris. In addition to the aforementioned cast members, the film will reportedly star Wesley Snipes, Teyana Taylor, Michael Blackson, Leslie Jones, KiKi Layne, and Jermaine Fowler.
The film is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters in Aug. 7, 2020.
