'Coming to America' sequel in development with director Jonathan Levine

Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Paramount is moving forward with a sequel to hit 1988 comedy Coming to America with director Jonathan Levine and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris.

Levine who has helmed Snatched, The Night Before, 50/50 and Warm Bodies, has signed on to direct the project with a script from Barris who is rewriting a screenplay by original writers Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield, Variety reported. Kevin Misher is producing.

The original film directed by John Landis, starred Eddie Murphy as an African prince who travels to New York with his loyal aid played by Arsenio Hall, in order to avoid an arranged marriage and find a wife who loves him for who he is.

Murphy is involved with the development of the sequel, but has not officially signed on to star, noted The Hollywood Reporter.

Coming to America was a hit in 1988, grossing nearly $300 million at the worldwide box office.