“Coming 2 America” Villain Almost Cast In Original Film

Sequels to older films are a mixed bag. Most wish they could forget that Dumb and Dumber To ever happened. More often than not audiences seem to want studios to leave their treasured classics alone. However, every now and then, there is a nostalgic sequel that really works and updated the franchise for modern viewers, while also maintaining the integrity of the original. Many are now looking at Coming 2 America, which just released its first trailer, and wondering if it can live up to the original.

The first Coming to America is considered to be an 80s comedy classic. It featured Eddie Murphy at the height of his comedic prowess in a performance that was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. The comedian was backed up by an amazing cast, that included the likes of James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall and Louie Anderson.

The next iteration is bringing back much of the original cast, including all the aforementioned actors, but it’s also adding a number of new faces. Notably, Wesley Snipes has been added to the cast as the villainous General Izzi. In an interesting twist of fate though, Snipes apparently auditioned for the original. Speaking with EW, Snipes opened up about not making the cut for that film, stating that:

I auditioned for the first Coming to America, but I didn’t get to audition in front of Eddie. After three call backs, I ended up losing the role to Eriq La Salle. But, ever since I saw that movie, I’ve wanted to work with Eddie… I wanted check the great grandmaster comedian Eddie Murphy off my bucket list.

Losing out on the role didn’t end up hurting Snipes’ career, as missing out on Coming to America freed him up to be in Major League. Later on, he’d become an action superstar with roles in Demolition Man and Passenger 57, as well as famously starring in the Blade franchise.

But it’s nice to see him make a full circle journey and get to be in a movie with Eddie Murphy, which was on the actor’s bucket list. Coming 2 America will release on Amazon Prime in March of 2021. Follow us on Twitter @FilmIronic and never miss a thing!