James Earl Jones and Eddie Murphy"s unique filming of Coming 2 America

James Earl Jones, a legendary actor, died at the age of 93 shortly after the release of Coming 2 America, where he reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer. The film was produced during the Covid pandemic, which imposed strict filming restrictions. As a result, Jones and co-star Eddie Murphy were never in the same room during the filming process. This separation was not due to any personal conflict but rather a necessity dictated by health and safety protocols. Jones, who had Type-2 diabetes, faced additional challenges that made travel difficult. Most of his scenes were filmed in New York City, while Murphy was based in Atlanta, Georgia. Director Craig Brewer noted that he had to act as both Eddie and Arsenio Hall while filming with Jones, highlighting the unique circumstances of the production. In the film, King Jaffe Joffer dies after organizing his own funeral, which coincidentally mirrored the timing of Jones' passing. This tragic alignment adds a layer of poignancy to the film and the actor's legacy. Jones' final acting credit after Coming 2 America was reprising his vocal role as Darth Vader in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. The film's production challenges serve as a reminder of the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry, particularly for older actors. The separation of the two stars during filming is a notable aspect of the film's history, reflecting the broader struggles faced by many during this unprecedented time.