Mike Epps Officially Lands the Lead Role in the Richard Pryor Biopic

After being stuck in development for ages, the Richard Pryor biopic has finally found its Pryor. Despite Nick Cannon hinting that he got the part last month, according to an update by director Lee Daniels, Mike Epps – who was first chosen for the role by Pryor and his wife Jennifer in 2005 and spent time with the legendary comedian before he died – has officially landed the role. The tweet Daniels posted shows Epps, Daniels, and Oprah posing together with the caption “Get ready y’all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor.” Epps won the role over Marlon Wayans, Eddie Murphy, and Michael B. Jordan after his “explosive” screen test made him a favorite last week, and Deadline reports that Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are both being considered for the role of Pryor’s wife. You can read more on the Richard Pryor biopic’s nearly 20-year development hell here.

UPDATE: It looks like Oprah’s involvement in the biopic is more than just behind the scenes. Entertainment Tonight reports that Winfrey is now officially set to appear in the film as Pryor’s grandmother Marie Carter.

Mike Epps Officially Lands the Lead Role in the […]