The Hardcore 'Coming to America' Fight That Almost Ended the Eddie Murphy Masterpiece

Eddie Murphy and director John Landis nearly came to blows on the set of the 1988 comedy classic.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:52am

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Eddie Murphy's 1988 comedy 'Coming to America' is considered one of his most iconic films, but the production was nearly derailed by a physical altercation between Murphy and director John Landis. The two had previously worked together on 'Trading Places' in 1983, but their relationship became strained on the set of 'Coming to America' due to creative differences and personal tensions. The book 'Wild and Crazy Guys' details the on-set feud, which reached a boiling point when Murphy physically grabbed Landis by the throat. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the finished product proved that the push and pull between the star and director ultimately worked, as 'Coming to America' went on to become a beloved comedy classic.

Why it matters

The clash between Murphy and Landis on the set of 'Coming to America' reflects the creative tensions that can arise when a rising star like Murphy asserts more control over his on-screen persona, while an established director like Landis tries to maintain creative discipline. The fact that the film succeeded despite their feud shows how such conflicts can sometimes lead to unexpected artistic triumphs.

The details

In 1983, Murphy and Landis first worked together on the hit comedy 'Trading Places.' Five years later, with Murphy now a global superstar, the two reunited for 'Coming to America.' However, tensions arose as Landis was turned off by Murphy's inflated ego, while Murphy was frustrated by the director's refusal to let him view dailies and his criticism of the star's finances. The feud reached a boiling point when Murphy physically grabbed Landis by the throat after hearing allegations of the director bad-mouthing the crew about Murphy's finances. The two did not speak again until they made 'Beverly Hills Cop III' in the early 1990s, by which point both of their careers had hit rough patches.

  • In 1983, Murphy and Landis first worked together on 'Trading Places'.
  • Five years later, in 1988, the two reunited for 'Coming to America'.
  • The on-set feud reached a boiling point during the production of 'Coming to America'.
  • Murphy and Landis did not speak to each other again until they made 'Beverly Hills Cop III' in the early 1990s.

The players

Eddie Murphy

A rising comedy star who had achieved global superstar status by the time of 'Coming to America', Murphy was determined to assert more control over his on-screen persona.

John Landis

An established director known for comedies like 'National Lampoon's Animal House' and 'The Blues Brothers', Landis tried to maintain creative discipline on the set of 'Coming to America'.

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What they’re saying

“I was very pleased with Eddie. He was terrific. He was nineteen or something, just full of beans. At that time in his life, he was just bursting with energy.”

— John Landis (Wild and Crazy Guys)

“The mother*****r was on his f******g toes for the rest of the show and didn't f**k with me for the whole rest of the picture.”

— Eddie Murphy (Playboy magazine)

The takeaway

The clash between Murphy and Landis on the set of 'Coming to America' highlights the creative tensions that can arise when a rising star asserts more control over their on-screen persona, while an established director tries to maintain discipline. However, the fact that the film succeeded despite their feud shows how such conflicts can sometimes lead to unexpected artistic triumphs.