For Coming To America fans hoping to see Eriq La Salle reprise his role as Darryl Jenks in the upcoming sequel, we’ve got some bad news for you. The actor recently confirmed he will not appear in Coming 2 America, hitting theaters next year.
The actor told The Grio that he’s busy tackling other projects, including taking on roles behind the camera. He currently executive produces and sometimes directs the hit series Chicago P.D. from Law & Order‘s Dick Wolf.
La Salle portrayed Lisa McDowell’s (Shari Headley) rich boyfriend, who she later breaks up with for Prince Akeem, in Coming to America.
“Straight to the point,” he told the outlet, “I’m a little busy right now…with this show.”
“Our show is very different than [Chicago Fire] and [Chicago Med]. So the gratifying thing for us is everyone [is] just telling their truth. This is our storytelling in this universe, this is their storytelling and when you put them all together, you still have those elements. It’s really cool to co-exist in this universe but [it] feels like you have your own individuality,” he explained of his current project.
Most of Coming to America‘s original cast is set to return for the sequel with a few new faces joining. Headley, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and John Amos have all confirmed they’re returning to reprise their roles as Lisa, Prince Akeem, Semmi and Cleo McDowell, respectively. Also, James Earl Jones, who played Murphy’s onscreen dad is returning, and even the wife Prince Akeem left at the alter, played by Vanessa Bell Calloway, will make an appearance in the new film.
The sequel, out late next year, will follow Prince Akeem after he discovers he has a son in America, who he wants to groom as the crown prince.