Richard Pryor Movie:Adam Sandler & Chris Rock Producing Film – Richard Pryor died in 2005, at the age of 65. He left behind a history filled with huge comedic breakthroughs. He was at the leading edge of a comedy revolution that changed the way that the genre worked in America forever. Pryor, who became for his long-term drug abuse problems, often made light of his own problems. He was known as a “dirty” comic during an era when comedy was fairly tame. He revitalized an industry and a form of entertainment at the same time.
During one famous incident, Pryor accidentally lit himself on fire while he was freebasing cocaine. The incident is still referenced in many comedy acts to this day, and stands as a warning to rising comics about the dangers of drugs and fame.
Adam Sandler and Chris Rock recently spoke about Richard Pryor, praising his talents. Both comedians have credited Richard Pryor with inspiring them and helping them to develop their own style. Rock and Sandler are reportedly developing a biopic about Pryor. Eddie Murphy was originally the favorite to play the part, but Pryor himself said that he wanted Mike Epps to receive the part. The part was eventually given to Marlon Wayans, to the surprise of many Pryor fans.
“Marlon Wayans, he did a screen test and it was just unbelievable,” Rock told MTV News recently. “It’s not just doing the comedy of Richard Pryor. He captures the vulnerability of Richard Pryor.”
The film is slated to begin filming sometime in the fall, barring any further complications. The film is reportedly going to be directed by Bill Condon, but Condon has made other commitments and may have to postpone the project.
NO ONE GIVES REPSECT!! DAG THE DYING MAN WANTED MIKE EPPS- COULD NOT EVEN RESPECT HIS WISHES
MEDIA IS THE DEVIL!!!!!
Marlon Wayans is going to surprise a lot of people. He actually has acting skills. I would compare it to when Jamie foxx played Ray Charles. But we’ll see.
I feel like Chris Rock & Adam Sandler should honor the late legend’s wishes. If he said during his time on earth that he wants Mike Epps to play himself….why wouldnt they exhaust all attempts to make that happen? Maybe he saw something in Mike Epps that he saw in himself. I think they are being a little cruel here……unless they didnt respect his work which i know they did, they should try to honor his wishes. Plus he favors him more looks wise. Marlon Wayans is gonna have to put some weight on for this role.
Marlon Wayans is a perfect choice; he is funny and can act. Anyone see Requiem for a Dream an excellent film in which he played a hilarious drug addict, and he has bulked up see G.I. Joe. Mike Epps is an good comedian but his acting skills from what I have seen so far is not there to pull off the drama in a film about a complex man such as Richard Pryor…..I think his wishes will be honored if a good film about his life is put out there than mediocre one, because the person they picked couldn’t carry the film. We will see what happens.
Marlo Wayans is a great actor. I think he is perfect to play Richard Pryor. He has that originality about him as well as the ability to laugh at himself. I wish him well!
I say if Richard wanted Mike Epps, then Mike Epps it should be! So be it!!!
The problem with Mike Epps playing Pryor is you have to be funny and Mike is ghetto stupid but not funny. His body of work is corny and his stand up is not funny period. He’s over rated and does not have the talent to nake this role credible. Sorry Mike.
All do respect to the late Richard Pryor’s wishes but everyone has seemed to have forgotten what great admiration and ability that Eddie Griffin has. He has the emotion and charisma of the late great and yet has the natural impersonation ability. I think the casting directors should reconsider.