EXCLUSIVE: Arsenio Hall Talks Female Empowerment & Returning for Coming 2 America
Arsenio Hall is stepping back into his many characters shoes for the next movie in the Coming to America series, Coming 2 America. Hall took the time to chat about his experience returning to these characters, seeing so many original characters return, female empowerment, Leslie Jones and so much more. Check out what he had to say below.
On the return of so many Coming to America characters in Coming 2 America:
“There was a night when Eddie did a scene with John Amos at the McDowell’s, and it was the first time I walked into a room and saw John Amos and Louie Anderson. It was a real special feeling, especially for John. I mean, I love John. What John has done for black people in Hollywood when I was growing up, the dignity that he displayed as a man, I love him forever. And seeing him, really, it warmed my heart”
On how the make-up process for this movie compared to the one for Coming to America:
“It’s less abrasive to your skin these days, the chemicals are better, but it’s still four to six hours. My girl came to spend a week with me, and every morning she would have little chocolate boogers, little glue boogers all over her. Because even when they take it off, you have that stuff for two days, you’d be finding boogers.”
On which of his characters he was most excited to reunite with:
“I love when the preacher and Randy Watson are together in any situation.”
You can read the rest of what he had to say under the jump. Coming 2 America is currently in select theaters and Amazon Prime Video today, March 5.
On Chappelle having originally been cast to play the Witch Doctor:
“Problem with him being the Witch Doctor is you wouldn’t have known it was Dave. It’s kind of getting Dave, but not getting Dave.”
On Leslie Jones:
“She’s hilarious every moment. There were a lot of stand-ups on that movie and we’re on the Tyler Perry lot, which was magical that this brother created this. There were days I’m standing with Tracy Morgan and Leslie in front of the White House on the Tyler Perry lot, laughing my ass off. It was the greatest experience. They didn’t have to pay me for this one because I had a great time. She is so funny.”
On the movie’s focus on female empowerment.:
“That message is so important and perfect for right this moment. I’m proud of the film in many ways like that. And I was there at 2:00 in the morning watching Bella [Murphy] and Ms. Love beat people up. What it does, what it says about women is incredible in this movie.”