For his upcoming film about the life of Richard Pryor, director Lee Daniels has announced through Twitter that Mike Epps will take on the role of the late comedian.
Get ready y’all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014
Epps, who beat out other stars like Nick Cannon and Eddie Murphy for the role, later tweeted a photo with Pryor’s wife, Jennifer. It is currently unknown who will play Jennifer in the film, but rumors say that Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson are in the running for the part.
Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing !you got to be stong to have been with the king! pic.twitter.com/OxvbjvPqHc — Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) August 24, 2014
Oprah Winfrey will also be a part of the film to portray Pryor’s grandmother, Marie Carter. Pryor grew up with his grandmother, who ran a prostitution house, after his mother walked out when he was 10 years old.
This film won’t be the first time Winfrey and Daniels have teamed together for a film. She previously worked with Daniels for last year’s The Butler and 2009’s Precious.
The Richard Pryor biopic has long been in development, but looks to finally be happening thanks to Daniels and Winfrey.
