It’s the most expensive streaming purchase to date, as Paramount sells the Coming To America sequel to Prime Video in time for Christmas.
There’s has been another high-profile picture removed from cinema schedules, as Variety is reporting that the Eddie Murphy’s return to the role of Akeem (and presumably several more roles too, we’d imagine) is set to move from cinemas to Amazon, in the US at least. That’s because the Coming To America sequel – Coming 2 America – has now been sold on.
Whilst the deal is still being finalised, it marks yet another transaction between Paramount and streaming services in an arrangement that seems to suit both parties. Spooked by Tenet’s domestic performance and in the wake of the major closures of the Cineworld/Regal chain, Paramount is seemingly doubling down on its strategy to guarantee cash returns for some of its completed films, rather than chance them in an extremely risky market.
Whilst Eddie Murphy himself is reportedly yet to give the arrangement his blessing, it seems like a done deal, with $125 million changing hands and a December 18th streaming date being mentioned.
There’s no mention of other territories so there’s a chance yet that the film might still get a theatrical run over here in the UK.
Coming 2 America is the latest in a string of titles Paramount have sold on. As for Amazon, the streaming studio continues to add to its commercial output. Other recent additions have included the upcoming Borat sequel and the Tom Clancy adaptation, Without Remorse, starring Michael B. Jordan.
More as we hear it, as always.
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