It’s official! Multiple sources confirmed that the original cast of Coming To America including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, James Earl Jones, Paul Bates, and Vanessa BellCalloway is reuniting for the sequel!
The 1988 original story follows Akeem (Murphy) as he travels from Africa to New York, in hopes to find his queen. In the sequel, Akeem is set to become king but learns about his long-lost son LaVelle residing in Queens. Honoring his father’s wish Akeem sets off to find possibly the future ruler of Zamunda.
All original cast members will reprise their roles in the sequel – Murphy as Akeem, soon-to-be-king of Zamunda, and Hall as his best friend Semmi. Hadley will return as Lisa McDowell with John Amos playing her father Cleo McDowell. Jones will once again play King Jaffe Joffer and Bates his loyal servant Oha. Vanessa Bell Calloway is set to reprise her role as Imani Izzi.
Also joining the cast are Wesley Snipes as general Izzi, Jermaine Fowler (Sorry To Bother You) as Akeem’s long lost son LaVelle, KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) as Akeem’s daughter, Leslie Jones (SNL), comedian Luenel and Rapper Rick Ross.
Black-ish creator Kenya Barris is writing the script. Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) is directing.
A Snowy Day in Oakland is heading into theaters this week. The magical-realism comedy starring Nicole Ari Parker is gearing up to be introduced to the world on Friday, March 17. Hollywood Melanin sat down with the leading star to explore some of the critical issues addressed in the film.
At the center of the story is LaTrice (Parker), the successful psychologist from San Francisco who longs for a more purposeful life. Leaving her unfaithful, high-profile psychiatrist boyfriend and business partner behind, she establishes her practice in a vacant office space on a small commercial block across the bay in Oakland. Surrounded by minority-owned businesses, LaTrice is determined to provide support and gently guide the residents of this predominantly Black neighborhood to embrace the importance of communicating one’s feelings through therapy.
Nicole Ari Parker as LaTrice/ ‘A Snowy Day In Oakland’
“I think there is an issue of trust in the Black community where we just keep our problems close to our chest,” Parker expressed while discussing mental healthcare in minority groups. “It’s also an expense. It’s an investment. So, when you are trying to make ends meet and prioritize your income, it feels like a luxury. But I think that that’s an expense worth taking.”
Helmed by Sister, Sister creator Kim Bass, the film was initially shot six years ago. Parker says she attributes her involvement in this project not just to the powerful and relevant script but also to “Kim’s vision, his magical realism, his playing with time, and his saturation of color,” she added, “We don’t really get to have that kind of whimsy in most independent Black films.”
‘A Snowy Day in Oakland’ cast
Produced by Planet 9 Productions and distributed by People of Culture Studios, this dramatic comedy also explores other meaningful themes like navigating complex relationships and struggles of entrepreneurship. Those conversations are explored through the town’s biggest personalities, Davis (Deon Cole), Jeanette (Loretta Devine), Theona (Kimberly Elise), and Rodney (Evan Ross). The star-studded cast also includes Keith David, Marla Gibbs, Michael Jai White, Tony Plana, Arden Myrin, and others.
Kimberly Elise as Theona, Deon Cole as Davis, Loretta Devine as Jeanette / ‘A Snowy Day In Oakland’
Watch A Snowy Day in Oakland in selected theaters on Friday, March 17. Watch the trailer below.
The Bad Boys are back like they never left! Will Smith and Martin Lawrence took it to Instagram earlier today to share – there will indeed be a fourth film.
“It’s official, y’all!” The longtime friends announced, “It’s about that time! [….] This is Bad Boys 4. It’s official!”
The franchise kicked off in 1995 with the original Bad Boys movie and has released two sequels since then – Bad Boys II (2003) and Bad Boys For Life(2020).
Netflix has released the first teaser of its upcoming star-studded comedy titled You People, helmed by Black-Ish creator Kenya Barris.
The cast includes Eddie Murphy, Jonah Hill, and Nia Long, who are featured in the first look clip. Also starring are Lauren London, David Duchovny, Nia Long, Sam Jay, Elliott Gould, Travis Bennett, Molly Gordon, Rhea Perlman, Deon Cole, Andrea Savage, Mike Epps, Emily Arlook, Alani La La Anthony, Bryan Greenberg, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The official logline reads – A new couple (Hill and London) and their families find themselves examining modern love and family dynamics amidst clashing cultures, societal expectations, and generational differences.
The comedy is set to launch on January 27. Check out the first-look images below.