1983 Eddie Murphy Comedy Gets Intriguing Sequel Update From Dan Aykroyd

The possibility of a Trading Places sequel has gotten an encouraging update from Dan Aykroyd. The original 1983 movie, which was directed by John Landis, starred Aykroyd as hustler Billy Ray Valentine opposite Eddie Murphy as executive Louis Winthorpe III, who essentially swap lives when Winthorpe is framed for a crime. The comedy’s ensemble cast also included Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Although the movie was both a critical and commercial success, the possible Trading Places 2 has failed to materialize in the four decades since its release.

Per Collider, Aykroyd recently spoke about Trading Places2 on an episode of his Audible podcast Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude. During the episode, he revealed that he has already written a treatment for the project involving Winthorpe becoming a billionaire banker and Valentine needing his help. While talking about the story, he mused that “I should resend that” now that the executives at Paramount have changed. Read his full quote below:

I did write a treatment that takes place in the Caribbean with Eddie as a hedge fund billionaire banker who comes to help old Lewis out with a problem. You know what — I should resend that. I know that Paramount has a new administration. That’s a good idea.

Could Trading Places 2 Actually Happen?

There Has Never Been A Better Time For The Legacy Sequel

It would not be a shock for Trading Places 2 to eventually get made. For one thing, the original movie was a massive success, earning $120.6 million worldwide against a budget of just $15 million, a whopping total for the time that made it the fourth highest-grossing movie of the year worldwide behind titles including Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and Flashdance. On top of its box office, it has earned a Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 89%.

While there has not been any official movement on a sequel to the Eddie Murphy movie, the time is also ripe for a Trading Places sequel. The success of the star’s Netflix legacy sequel, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, seems to prove that there is audience interest in him returning to his classic movies from the 1980s. Because his hit comedy Coming to America has already received a legacy sequel in 2021’s Coming 2 America, Trading Places would seem to be the next-biggest title in line that has yet to be given a follow-up.

It seems entirely possible that studios are already looking to pursue a sequel to Trading Places, which could make Aykroyd’s interest in the project quite well-timed. Ultimately, it seems that the biggest obstacle to the movie coming to fruition would be Murphy’s interest and availability. Between the upcoming Shrek 5 and the possible Beverly Hills Cop 5, the star may not have time to pursue another project in the near future.

Source: Collider

Trading Places

Trading Places is a comedy film directed by John Landis. Released in 1983, the film stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a street hustler and a wealthy businessman whose lives are swapped due to a bet made by two callous millionaires. The movie explores themes of socioeconomic class and human behavior, with strong performances by Murphy and Aykroyd alongside Jamie Lee Curtis.

Director

John Landis

Release Date

June 8, 1983

Writers

Timothy Harris , Herschel Weingrod

Runtime

116 minutes

Budget

$15 million

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