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Coming to America was a film that left a mark on its audience. Although it received mixed reviews initially, Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Prince Akeem Joffer made it a cult favorite. Fast forward to the release of Coming 2 America on Amazon Prime, history seems to repeat itself: critics have not been generous with their praise, labeling it as a rehash of previous jokes. However, despite the critics’ opinions, the movie has resonated with a significant number of viewers.
Research firm Screen Engine reported that since its debut on March 5th, Coming 2 America has become the most popular film released on a streaming platform not only this year but in the past year. While exact viewership numbers were not provided, it was confirmed that Coming 2 America outperformed films like Wonder Woman 1984 and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. The movie even surpassed recent big releases from Paramount+ and Disney+, such as The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run and Raya and the Last Dragon, respectively. Notably, Raya and the Last Dragon required an extra $30 payment for Disney+ subscribers, which might have impacted its viewership compared to the free access to Coming 2 America.
This is why I don’t rely on reviews. I loved #Coming2America pic.twitter.com/mfnDg9g34D
— Nikki J (@ReinaDeBaila) March 8, 2021
Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke expressed her excitement, stating, “The Zamunda Royal family has arrived, and audiences worldwide have warmly embraced them! The premiere of Coming 2 America has exceeded all our expectations. It’s evident that a new generation of fans has joined the existing loyal fanbase who have cherished the magical world crafted by the global sensation Eddie Murphy, the talented filmmaking team, and the hilarious, star-studded cast of both established and emerging legends. Coming 2 America is the ideal, entertaining, joyful, and uplifting comedy that audiences worldwide needed.”
