Making movies about real life people is always a complicated thing because there are factors involved that have nothing to do with what's on-screen. Often the central figure's estate gets involved and holds things up or shuts them down entirely, and then there's that whole problem of finding just the right actor. Many have attempted to make a biopic on Richard Pryor over the years with very little success, and Lee Daniels is next to give it a shot. And while he's facing issues from Pryor's son who is threatening a legal fight, Daniels is moving ahead on casting and a frontrunner has emerged in Mike Epps.
Deadline reports Epps as the new prime candidate to play Pryor, which makes sense for a couple of reasons. Epps' stand-up style has a similar energy to Pryor (I'm not saying he's just as good, trust me), to the point where Epps actually played Pryor in the controversial Nina Simone biopic starring Zoe Saldana. When Daniels first came aboard it was Michael B. Jordan eyed for the role, and then Nick Cannon made a serious case for it. Both appear to still be in contention alongside Marlon Wayans. Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are said to be up to portray his widow, Richard Lee Pryor, but where those negotiations are is unclear.
This could be a "big deal" film that Oscars get handed out for so understandably the competition for this one is fierce, and Daniels will probably take his time in making a decision.
