The Royal Quest Continues: 7 Shocking Secrets, 'Coming To America 3' Plans, And Where The Cast Is Now
Few films in cinematic history have achieved the lasting cultural impact and quotability of Coming to America. Released in 1988, the romantic comedy introduced the world to the opulent, fictional African nation of Zamunda and its charming Prince Akeem Joffer, who travels to Queens, New York, to find a queen who will love him for himself, not his title. The film’s legacy continues to grow, especially with the 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America, and as of the current date in December 2025, the conversation around a potential third installment is very much alive, fueled by the original cast and new behind-the-scenes revelations.
The original film, a box-office smash, grossing nearly $300 million worldwide, remains a beloved classic, not just for its humor but for its groundbreaking representation of Black royalty and its unforgettable ensemble cast, many of whom played multiple, heavily-prostheticized roles. The latest news from the Zamunda royal family and the McDowell's dynasty suggests that the story of Prince Akeem and Semmi is far from over, with Eddie Murphy himself hinting at a long-term vision for the franchise.
The Royal Family Today: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and the Cast's Current Status
The heart of Coming to America lies in its iconic characters, many of whom were brought to life by the chameleon-like talents of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The success of Coming 2 America was due in large part to the return of nearly the entire original principal cast, a rare feat in Hollywood sequels.
- Eddie Murphy (Prince Akeem Joffer / Randy Watson / Saul / Clarence): The star and creative force behind the films, Murphy has enjoyed a career renaissance in recent years. Post-Coming 2 America, he has focused on streaming projects and a return to stand-up comedy. His discussions about Coming to America 3 indicate he is still deeply invested in the character of Akeem, envisioning a third film that would feature the Prince/King in his old age, a project he suggests might take a while to materialize.
- Arsenio Hall (Semmi / Morris / Reverend Brown / Extremely Ugly Girl): Murphy’s long-time friend and comedic partner, Hall reprised his role as Akeem's loyal confidante, Semmi, and his multiple side characters. He and Murphy often discuss the film's legacy and their enduring friendship in recent interviews, highlighting the joy of stepping back into those beloved roles.
- Shari Headley (Lisa McDowell Joffer): Headley returned as Queen Lisa Joffer, now Akeem's wife and the Queen of Zamunda. Since the sequel, Headley has maintained a steady career in television, often appearing in popular series and independent films, but her role as Lisa remains her most iconic.
- John Amos (Cleo McDowell): Amos returned as the owner of the McDonald’s knock-off, McDowell's. A veteran actor known for his roles in *Good Times* and *Roots*, Amos continues to work actively in film and television, with his character Cleo still providing comedic relief as Akeem’s father-in-law.
- James Earl Jones (King Jaffe Joffer) and Paul Bates (Oha): Both veteran actors returned for the sequel. Jones, the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, had a moving role in Coming 2 America, while Bates' character, Oha, the royal aide, continued to provide his signature deadpan humor.
7 Surprising Behind-The-Scenes Secrets and Filming Trivia
Beyond the on-screen magic, both Coming to America and its sequel are rich with fascinating production details and secrets that enhance the film's legendary status. These facts reveal the depth of creative effort that went into building the world of Zamunda and the streets of Queens.
- The Sequel Was Never Originally Planned: Despite the original film's massive success, Eddie Murphy initially had no plans for a sequel for decades. It was only after years of fan requests and finding a story he felt was worthy—the discovery of Akeem's long-lost son in America—that he agreed to revisit Zamunda.
- Eddie Murphy’s Idea for Coming to America 3: Murphy has publicly stated his concept for a third film would focus on King Akeem Joffer as an elderly man. This idea shows a commitment to seeing the character's full life arc, suggesting a potential future movie would be a reflective, late-career project.
- The Iconic Prosthetics Were a Nightmare and a Masterpiece: The incredible transformations that allowed Murphy and Hall to play multiple characters—from the barbershop patrons to the band singer Randy Watson—required hours in the makeup chair. For Coming 2 America, the same level of prosthetic detail was achieved by Oscar-winning makeup artist Mike Marino and his team at Prosthetic Renaissance, ensuring the characters looked aged but recognizable.
- The Real McDowell’s Location: The iconic fast-food restaurant, McDowell's, where Akeem seeks an "ordinary" job, was a fictional set. However, the exterior shots were filmed at a real Wendy’s restaurant located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York.
- The Filming Locations Spanned Coasts: While the story is split between the fictional Zamunda and Queens, New York, the actual filming took place across multiple locations. Key New York locations included JFK Airport Terminal 7 and a Brooklyn apartment building on South 5th Street for Akeem's humble home, but much of the Zamunda scenes were shot on sound stages at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.
- The Barbershop Was a Fully Functional Set: The My-T-Sharp Barbershop, arguably the most quotable location in the film, was a meticulously detailed set. The sequel recreated the set perfectly, with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall noting how walking onto the set felt like the movie had never stopped.
- The Sequel's Costume Design Was a Cultural Event: The costumes in Coming 2 America were a major undertaking, designed by Ruth E. Carter, who won an Oscar for her work on *Black Panther*. Her designs blended traditional African royal wear with modern high fashion, creating a visual spectacle that honored the original film's lavish aesthetic.
The Enduring Cultural Legacy and Topical Authority of Zamunda
More than just a comedy, Coming to America is a cultural phenomenon that redefined the romantic comedy genre and set a new standard for Black filmmaking in Hollywood. Its influence can be seen in fashion, music, and comedy decades later.
The film’s topical authority is rooted in its rich world-building. The concept of Zamunda—a wealthy, technologically advanced African nation—was a powerful counter-narrative to the often-negative portrayals of Africa in Western cinema. This opulent setting provided a backdrop for a classic fish-out-of-water story, allowing the film to explore themes of class, cultural identity, and true love.
The use of Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) keywords like McDowell's restaurant, Soul Glo, and the band Sexual Chocolate are not just SEO tactics; they are references to the film's most memorable and frequently quoted elements. The enduring popularity of phrases like "Just let your soul glo!" and "The royal penis is clean, your Highness," demonstrates the film's deep penetration into pop culture vocabulary. The film’s ability to generate so many memorable entities and catchphrases is a testament to its expertly crafted script and the comedic genius of its stars.
The sequel, Coming 2 America, further expanded the Zamunda royal family lore by introducing Akeem’s long-lost son, Lavelle Junson, and focusing on the theme of tradition versus modernity. This expansion ensures the franchise remains relevant to new generations while honoring the original's established characters and settings, such as the iconic My-T-Sharp Barbershop. The fact that the film continues to generate significant discussion about a potential *Coming to America 3* solidifies its position as a timeless piece of cinema, proving that the royal quest for love, legacy, and a good hamburger with no seeds on the bun is a tale that audiences will always return to.
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