Chris Rock and Adam Sandler are producing a new biopic focusing on the life of well-loved comedian Richard Pryor, who inspired countless comics during his career.
Pryor appeared in films and on stage from the 1960s to his 2005 death, though he is best known for his ribald standup routines.
Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said details Pryor’s early life, rise to fame and his serious drug problems, which led to the famous “freebasing incident” of 1981. Marlon Wayans will portray Pryor in the flick, though the role was originally given to Eddie Murphy. Murphy passed on the movie due to “creative differences.”
Rumor has it that Pryor himself, who passed away in 2005 at 65, wanted Mike Epps to play the role.
Chris Rock said that Marlon’s screen test was amazing, and Wayans himself stated “I’m ready” to play the part.