From real-life beef to groundbreaking Black film moments, Coming to America is more than just a classic—it’s a pop culture institution. But even if you’ve quoted “Sexual Chocolate!” or hummed the Soul Glo jingle more times than you can count, these behind-the-scenes gems might surprise you.
1. It Was Eddie Murphy’s First Time Playing Multiple Characters
Before The Nutty Professor, Norbit, or Vampire in Brooklyn, Murphy’s transformation magic began here. He played four characters (Akeem, Clarence, Saul, and Randy Watson), and Arsenio Hall matched him with four of his own (Semmi, Reverend Brown, Morris, and the “Ugly Girl” in the club). It was the first time Murphy ever played multiple characters in a movie—and the start of a Hollywood trend.
2. Studio Execs Wanted a White Actor—So Murphy Chose His Friend
According to Murphy, Louie Anderson’s role as the cheerful McDowell’s employee was included solely to satisfy the studio’s demand for “someone white” in the cast. “Who’s the funniest white guy I know?” Murphy recalled thinking. “Louie’s perfect.”
3. Paula Abdul Was Just 18 When She Choreographed That Palace Dance
In an interview with Yahoo!, Abdul revealed she was just 18 and still a Laker Girl when she was hired to choreograph the film’s iconic wedding scene. Director John Landis requested “the girl who choreographed Janet Jackson,” and Abdul delivered.
4. John Landis and Eddie Murphy Had Major Beef On Set
Despite previously working together on Trading Places, Landis later called Murphy “a jerk” during production. He described Murphy’s ego shift as “the most unpleasant, arrogant… entourage” he’d ever seen. Still, he admitted Murphy’s performance was one of his greatest.
5. King and Queen twice
James Earl Jones and Madge Sinclair’s regal chemistry as Zamundan royalty earned them another royal gig—they were later cast as Mufasa and Sarabi in The Lion King.
6. Cuba Gooding Jr. Made His Film Debut in the Barbershop
Before Boyz n the Hood or an Oscar win, Gooding Jr.’s first screen role was “Boy Getting Haircut”—a silent cameo in the now-iconic barbershop scene.
7. Zamunda Was Named After Comedian Bob Zmuda
Writers Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield revealed that Zamunda was a play on Bob Zmuda’s last name (Andy Kaufman’s collaborator), not—as some believe—from a Richard Pryor routine.
8. McDowell’s Was Actually a Wendy’s in Queens
Yes, the golden arches… er, arcs… were filmed inside a real Queens Boulevard Wendy’s. The spot became a local legend before being demolished in 2013.
9. The Film’s Plot Was Inspired by Murphy’s Dating Struggles
According to Arsenio Hall, Murphy was tired of women only seeing his fame. Coming to America became a metaphor: what if you could find love without anyone knowing who you were?
10. Most “Queens” Scenes Were Shot in Brooklyn
Even though Akeem says he’s headed to Queens, the apartment building, barbershop, and subway scenes were mostly filmed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
11. There Was Almost a TV Series… and It Was Apparently Terrible
CBS filmed a 1989 pilot starring Tommy Davidson as Akeem’s younger brother, Tariq. Paul Bates returned as Oha—but the show was never picked up after scathing feedback.
12. Wesley Snipes Was Rejected from the Original—but Got a Comeback
According to an EW interview, Snipes lost the role of Darryl to Eriq La Salle but was later cast as General Izzi in the 2021 sequel. “Ever since I saw that movie, I’ve wanted to work with Eddie,” he said.
13. Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy Reprise Their Trading Places Roles
Fans of Trading Places will spot a brilliant crossover: the Duke brothers, now homeless, are gifted money by Akeem. Cue the line: “Mortimer, we’re back!”
14. Eddie’s Stepbrother Has a Cameo
Murphy’s stepbrother Vernon Lynch appears in the Madison Square Garden bathroom scene, standing just ahead of him in line.
15. James Earl Jones Originally Wanted to Play Cleo
Jones had his eyes on the role of Lisa’s dad, Cleo McDowell, but Hall and Murphy convinced him to play King Jaffe Joffer instead.
16. The Barbershop Scene References Roots
Saul (Murphy) calls Akeem “Kunta Kinte,” a nod to Roots. The connection is deeper: John Amos, who plays Cleo, portrayed the adult Kunta in the original miniseries.
17. Vanessa Williams and Sidney Poitier Were Almost Cast
Williams was considered for Lisa, and Poitier was approached to play King Jaffe before the role went to Jones.
18. The Original Title Was The Quest
Murphy’s working title before the studio retitled it Coming to America was The Quest—a nod to Akeem’s romantic mission.
19. The Film Was a Rare Hit in Japan
Director Landis said Coming to America was the first Black-led film to find box office success in Japan—a market that had historically excluded Black stars.
20. The Studio Got Sued for Stealing the Concept
Writer Art Buchwald sued Paramount, claiming they took the idea from his script It’s a Crude, Crude World. He won the case (Buchwald v. Paramount) but Murphy is still the only credited writer.
Bonus Fact: Eddie Murphy Wants to Make Coming to America 3—But Not Until He’s 75
In an interview on Live with Kelly and Mark, Eddie Murphy revealed that he already has an idea for Coming to America 3, but fans will have to wait. “There’s an idea for Coming to America 3 that I have, but it doesn’t happen for 16 years,” Murphy said. “I have to be 75 to do it.”