A biopic on legendary comedian Richard Pryor has been in Hollywood's sights for a long time. Back when Bill Condon was putting one together it was thought his Dreamgirls star Eddie Murphy would play him, which would have been perfect. They were contemporaries but also really good friends (go watch Harlem Nights now) who had a similarly controversial brand of stand-up comedy. That project never came together, but Murphy may have found a place in the biopic being put together by Lee Daniels, only in a very different and surprising role.
According to ET Online, Murphy is in talks to play Richard Pryor's prize-fighting dad, Leroy "Buck Carter" Pryor, in the untitled film that stars Mike Epps. It's surprising because Murphy and Epps are only a decade apart in age. Considering how young Pryor was when he began comedy we may see another actor other than Epps play him at the beginning of his career. Or maybe they'll just go with it and use make-up to age the actors when needed.
Daniels posted the above Instagram photo of himself and Murphy with the caption, “Strap in and brace yourself. They done let me and him out of our cages! #idonteventhinkimreadyforthisone! #excited #proud #OMG”.
Pryor's widow Jennifer Pryor is a producer on the film, and it has now been confirmed that Kate Hudson will play her. Oprah Winfrey, also a producer, is set to play Pryor's grandmother.
So this one's coming together quickly now. This December will mark the 10th anniversary of Pryor's death, and we may see The Weinstein Company push Daniels to have it ready by then. It would also put it in the middle of the awards race.
