Oct 7, 2009 by Brian Gallagher

Marlon Wayans Replacing Eddie Murphy for Richard Pryor Biopic?

Earlier this year, we reported that Eddie Murphy was in talks to portray legendary comedian Richard Pryor in a new biopic from Bill Condon, and it seems that much has changed with the project. Hitfix is now reporting that the project is still moving forward, but with Marlon Wayans in negotiations to portray Pryor instead of Murphy.

The site is reporting that the film will also now be produced by Adam Sandler and his Happy Madison production company, with Chris Rock on board to produce as well for Sony Pictures. The project was being shopped around to Paramount and Fox Searchlight, but it seems a deal couldn't be reached.

It was said that many roles were still to be cast, but if deals are met with Wayans and others, it was said that production could start as early as Spring 2010.


Sources: Hitfix

Do you like this story?

Comments (5)

  1. Vanboy

    If Murphy wants to save his career, he should forget comedy (which he's lost his edge in) and shift to drama. He was awesome in Dreamgirls. Blew Foxx out of the feakin' water! Since this movie will be laced with comedy, it might be a good thing for him, since passing on this, he should go with a dramatic film instead. Great performances come from unexpected places.

    I'm sure Wayons will do good for this. But I don't know if one famous comedian playing another famous comedian is right. Wayons is already established in his own right.

    I wonder who they will get to play Gene Wilder. The two were close enough buddies to merit Wilder to be involved in the story.

    They were like the Laurel & Hardy of our time. With Stir Crazy, Silver Streak, Another You and Hear No Evil, See No Evil. Either way, I'm sure Wilder will have some imput to offer for the film.

    2 years agoby @vanboyFlag

  2. Rock

    Yep Mike Epps was in talk for that role , i also read that somewere , if i recall clearly he even met with Pryors wife and i think even Pryor before he died , about doing it . I still thinbk he would of been perfectly casted

    2 years agoby @elrochoFlag

  3. Newkill3000

    i hope this means eddie murphy is retiring.

    2 years agoby @newkill200Flag

  4. Err

    i thought i heard somewhere that what's his name, the guy from that other thing... you know the one i mean, i heard that he was playing pryor.

    ...mike epps, thats his name.
    now if only i could remember where i heard that, i think it was a talk show like on conan or something.

    oh well whatever obviously it isn't the case.

    2 years agoby @err2005Flag

  5. Raoul Duke

    Cha-pelle!

    2 years agoby @raoulduke33Flag

(More)Latest News
Spider-Man 3 vs. Transformers: Dark of the Moon Spider-Man 3 vs. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
(More)Recent Activity
(More)Most Commented Stories
(More)Top Rated Stories