The actor has signed a three-film and a first feature contract with the streaming service. He will star in three films and develop original projects for Prime.
The streamer worked with Murphy on his “Coming to America” sequel, releasing it after buying the comedy from Paramount, which offloaded this and several other features during the COVID-19 theatrical shut down.
“Coming 2 America” was the most-streamed title in the U.S. the week of its premiere, according to Nielsen data, drawing 1.4 billion minutes of total viewing for the week of March 1 to 7 among U.S. viewers, per Nielsen’s SVOD content rating estimates.
“Eddie is a legend both in front of and behind the camera,” said Amazon head Jennifer Salke. “With undeniable comedic and dramatic genius, he consistently delivers entertaining, original stories and characters to audiences around the world.”
Amazon has moved aggressively to sign pacts with top talent, forging deals with the likes of Michael B. Jordan and Nicole Kidman as streaming services try to lock up major stars and creators.
Amazon acquired “Coming 2 America” from Paramount Pictures during the pandemic, shelling out $125 million for the distribution rights. The film was a hit with Amazon users, who heavily streamed the comedy. Previously, Murphy earned an Oscar nod for “Dreamgirls” and starred in “Coming to America”, “Harlem Nights”, “Boomerang”, “The Nutty Professor”, “Daddy Day Care” franchise, and the “I Spy” which was shot in Hungary.
Murphy’s upcoming projects include Netflix’s “Beverly Hills Cop 4”, which he will produce and star in, and a Kenya Barris comedy in which he will join Jonah Hill, also for the streamer.
