Eddie Murphy & Ama Qamata Voicing Animated Fantasy Movie ‘M’Tali: The Everlasting Spring’

EXCLUSIVE: Eddie Murphy is set to voice animated family fantasy M’Tali: The Everlasting Spring alongside South African actress Ama Qamata (Blood & Water).

The original story, which is being written by Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy and Michael Xavier, “follows Princess Selani of the African kingdom of M’tali who longs for adventure but quietly dreads the responsibilities waiting for her as future queen. When a coup separates her from her family and kingdom, she finds herself in the Forbidden Jungle inhabited by a mysterious family who have discovered the legendary Everlasting Spring, a magical water said to preserve youth forever. There she must reckon with her uncle’s ambitions and uncover what, beyond any single artifact, truly sustains a kingdom.”

In the coming-of-age project, Qamata will play the heroine, Princess Selani, while Murphy will star as the villain, Selani’s uncle Vakoro. There are also musical elements.

The project marks comedy legend Murphy’s first animated movie outside of the Shrek franchise and Disney’s original Mulan from 1998. It’s also actress Bria Murphy’s feature screenwriting debut.

Michael Xavier, Bria Murphy, Ray Murphy Jr., Autumn Bailey-Ford, and Chris Brew are producing. The team is currently out to directors and potential studio, streaming and production partners.

Golden Globe, Emmy and Grammy winner Murphy most recently starred in Amazon action-comedy The Pickup. Shrek 5 releases next year. Bria Murphy has previously appeared in movies including 2024 reboot Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and 2016 rom-com The Perfect Match.

Qamata is best known for playing Puleng Khumalo in Netflix’s hit South African crime-drama series Blood & Water. Her credits also include Gomora, Fight Like A Girl and Commandos.

“As a mother of a four-year-old son, I’m always looking for stories I can share with him that show a child what true strength looks like. M’tali does that. Selani leads with heart, curiosity and faith in her people, not with power. I’m proud to help bring a story rooted in African culture to the screen, with a family this talented behind it, and with Eddie Murphy leading the way,” said producer Autumn Bailey-Ford.

Bailey-Ford is the founder and CEO of Autumn Bailey Entertainment, the production company with operations in Atlanta and Cape Town. Her credits include Color Book (Netflix), On a Wing and a Prayer (MGM/Amazon) and the upcoming Barbershop (Amazon, 2027).