Reports indicate that actor/comedian Marlon Wayans is in talks to star in the biopic Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said? Last year, rumors went around saying that Eddie Murphy was snagged for the role, but since the production company was switched he is no longer in the running.
Here’s more info:
Sources tell EW.com that Wayans fought for the role, blowing the producers away with a 13- min screen test where he “transforms into Pryor.” The movie depicts Pryor’s controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs and is currently budgeted at $20 million. Chris Rock, Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and Mark Gordon are also lined up to produce. Producers are still working out the terms of Wayans’ deal, and other major aspects of the overall project have not been finalized. Sony did not respond to requests for comment. [ SOURCE ]
Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Gods and Monsters) is said to be writing and directing the film.
Congratulations, Marlon!
Marlon has transformed into a very handsome man
#4, Mike Epps would have been good too
Marlon is VERY slept on Do people now he went to college for this shit dont let his one art foooooool you this family brings it Cant wait until he leaves SUM of you haters on your ASS
Great choice. A lot of people already mentioned Requiem For a Dream. That has to be his best role to date. It truly shows his range as an actor and shocked the hell out of me.
—Ugh. I dunno about Marlon. Dude is too silly, in a cornyball way, to portray Pryor
—I’m so sick of these biopics, especially when it comes to black actors, like it
—just seems that these roles are the only way that black actors can be nominated
—so they immediately jump the opportunity to create biopics. It’s sickening.
Uh oh….I smell an Oscar nod!!!
Marlon looks so sexy in this pic.
I believe that Mike Epps was up for the role. I also believe that is who Richard Pryor hand picked to be in his biopic. Therefore, I am disappointed that they are choosing not to follow Mr. Pryor’s request. I remember seeing Pryor prior to his death on Entertainment Tonight stating this. I think Marlon will do a great job I just dont understand why this decision was made.
And a lot of pple didnt believe that Jamie could be great either! So have faith people. This man could blow our minds! Im very excited about this biopic. A lot of people dont give Richard Pryor his credit!
ii cant wait to see this i think marlon is going to blow us away, to me mike epps is funny and is a good comedian i love his stand up but dont like him as a actor………
–i personally dnt think he will fit the part.
i honestly believe that Mike Epps should play the part.
I mean he is funny as hell.
he kinda looks likle richard pryor in his younger years.
Good! Anyone but Jamie Foxx.
Sounds like he’s trying to pull a Jamie Foxx. Hopefully he does a good job and can parlay that into more work as successfully as Jamie did.
Gotta admit, at the time, I had a similar reaction to Jamie playing Ray Charles (like WTF!?!) but look at him now!
Although people are saying Eddie he has been in the industry for so long let someone else shine. I think Marlon can do it. I can’t wait.
I heard that this role was originally supposed to be played by Mike Epps who I think would have done a MUCH better job. This is disappointing. Marlon Wayans is too damn silly to play this part.
Marlon is going to kill it!!! Eddie looks nothing like him. Sorry. But I’m sure he would’ve did a great job too considering that he knew Pryor personally.
EXCELLENT CHOICE!!!! I hope this role will have the same effect on his career that Ray had for Jamie Foxx. I’m super excited to see it.
LMAO! I AGREE WITH KINDANICE!
HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sexyyyy assssssss!
he’ll kill it!
@69.
How old aRE some of yall?? 12-13?? Yall should know damn well Mike Epps couldn’t act to save his life. And he not even all that funny to me. We all now Day-Day could never fill the shoes of Smokey.
At the end of the day we need somebody who can act. We all know Marlon is funny but he can seriously act too.
I LOVVVVVVEEEE marlon and I am so proud of him! I thought he was great since wayans brothers. So I’m so excited to really see him on his come up. Go head marlon!
I think Marlon will do a fantastic job. Loved him in Requiem for a Dream.
Actually Mike Epps is funny but a horrible actor. Marlon is well studied. Not
only did he go to Laguardia High School (Fame School) but he studied in
college as well. He can more than pull it off.
Seems like a good pick to me.
I see tis man winning an oscar for thei role, or at least being nominated, anyone who saw him in Requiem for a Dream knows the boy’s acting has so much depth.
This is good news, Marlon would make a great Pryor, he just gotta commit to the role. Hope this works out for him
Right on #31!!!!
Oh yes! This sounds good.
Whatever…I just waiting for White Chicks 2…..Now dats my joint…
Marlon has become very handsome.
I’m a fan of the Wayans bros, but they aren’t really comedians. I hope he doesn’t f up
They really should reconsider eddy.
Why the hell isnt Paul Mooney writing this? Thats probably why eddie isnt doing this since paul discovered him.