Funny man Marlon Wayans is in advanced discussions to play one of comedy’s most iconic figures in the biopic Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said for Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Prods. and Sony Pictures. The project has been written and will be directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls). Eddie Murphy was originally attached to star in the project, but he dropped out over conflicts with Paramount Pictures, which was previously on board to finance the film.
While Wayans is primarily known for his comedic roles in Wayans Bros.’ movies such as Dance Flick and White Chicks, he received critical acclaim for his dramatic turn in 1999’s Requiem for a Dream. Sources tell EW.com that Wayans fought for the role, blowing the producers away with a 13- min screen test where he “transforms into Pryor.” The movie depicts Pryor’s controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs and is currently budgeted at $20 million. Chris Rock, Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and Mark Gordon are also lined up to produce. Producers are still working out the terms of Wayans’ deal, and other major aspects of the overall project have not been finalized. Sony did not respond to requests for comment.
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I’m a little disappointed that Eddie Murphy isn’t doing it anymore, but I think that Marlon Wayans can do a great job
Isn’t that an oxymoron when you say funny man Marlon Wayans.
Honestly if they want a good Richard Pryor, they should think of casting Eddie Griffin. I’ve never seen anyone with impression like his.
Then you’ve never seen Eddie Murphy do Pryor. Griffin is good, but the only thing better than Murphy doing Pryor is Pryor doing Pryor.
i agreee…. that was my sentiment… Murphy show everyone in RAW that he can and is the best to do Pryor!! only one who can… maybe even Mike Epps who can be raunchy and act like him… shares common background…past drug users, been to jail.. reformed… why not huh? Marlon is okay, but not deserving of such a huge part. Is NOT even a true comedian.. a REal Comedian should be given this part..urphy, Epps, maybe griffen.. Even Chappelle who is the hottest comedian in the game rite now!!!
i agreee…. that was my sentiment… Murphy show everyone in RAW that he can and is the best to do Pryor!! only one who can… maybe even Mike Epps who can be raunchy and act like him… shares common background…past drug users, been to jail.. reformed… why not huh? Marlon is okay, but not deserving of such a huge part. Is NOT even a true comedian.. a REal Comedian should be given this part..murphy, Epps, maybe griffen.. Even Chappelle who is the hottest comedian in the game rite now!!!
Excellent choice!
Go get’em Marlon, I know you can do this. I’m praying for your success!
Oscar Nominee Marlon Wayans??
I really can’t think of anyone promising for this role, but please don’t give it to this unfunny cretin.
hmmm…? Marlon? Really? I don’t know. But than again I was skeptical about Jamiee Foxx playing Ray Charles and he was excellent. I haven’t seen Marlon do anything “serious” to actually take him seriously…but he may do a great job.
I had heard once that Mike Epps was being considered (he does look the part). I was convinced that if he got the role, it would prove that there is a conspiracy to get everyone who was in the movie “Booty Call” an Oscar (Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Mike Epps).
Mike, are you confusing Mike Epps with Tommy Davidson? I don’t remember Mike in “Booty Call.”
Or Halle Berry.
No Halle nor Mike Epps were in booty call. Get your black comedy roles right please…
Agree, Marlon was great in Requiem–which was, coincidentally, an intensely dramatic but darkly comic story about addicts. He, Pryor and Condon should be a match made in cinema heaven.
Marlon can do this. Would almost certainly garner him an Oscar nod.
Marlon Wayans?!!! Are you kidding me. He’s funny but it’s called get an actor. Don Cheadle, Jeffrey Wright, somebody!!! Not every black person in movies has to be a comedian or a rapper.
Cheadle or Wright are great actors, but aren’t right for this role..and little short. If Marlon came with a 13 min screen test they were really impressed.
Marlon Wayans comes from a comedic family, but he has a background in acting and went to the Fiorello H LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City. It’s called multi-talented and Jamie is not the only one of US who is capable of being a double or triple threat in his case.
Manny, Marlon Wayans is a trained actor. He’s not that funny, I agree, but he’s always been an actor first. It’s just that he’s part of a family of comedians so that’s how people have seen him.
I agree. Marlon is a trained actor who was set in and seen as a comedian, based on his family line of work. His has the full range as an actor and you will be able to see them if he continues and acquire this role
So, the age of miracles isn’t dead? I refer to the fact that ANY actor can survive a car wreck like White Chicks!
I use to hate Anthony Anderson in comedy roles but after The Shield and Law and Order I realized he’s a better actor.
A lot of comedians out there have great dramatic work and don’t get credit they deserve (Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Jim Carey…) I’m sure Marlon will do great. No pressure.