Mike Epps is officially playing Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels’ biopic

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

A few weeks ago we told you that comedian Mike Epps was the frontrunner to take on the role of the legendary comic Richard Pryor. Now after beating out other hopefuls for the role including Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Marlon Wayans, and Michael B. Jordan, he has officially been given the role. The movie has been in the works for years but is now finally gaining momentum again. Lee Daniels (PRECIOUS, THE BUTLER) is set to direct the Epps, who you have probably seen in smaller roles in RESIDENT EVIL and THE HANGOVER movies. Daniels shared the news on Twitter last night along with Oprah Winfrey who perhaps is producing or just bad at photobombing.

UPDATE: TMZ reports that Oprah is going to be playing Pryor’s grandmother:

Oprah Winfrey’s been cast to play Richard Pryor’s grandmother — a cruel and abusive lady pimp — in the upcoming biopic directed by O’s pal Lee Daniels. Pryor’s widow, Jennifer, tells TMZ … Oprah got hold of the script, and was desperate to play Marie Carter — the woman who raised Pryor in her brothel in Peoria, Illinois … and who was known to beat him.

Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB

— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014

Epps shared the news on Twitter too; showing off the approval of Jennifer Lee, Richard Pryor’s widow.

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

This could be a major role for the comedian; and with The Weinstein Company involved, you can bet this movie will have an award season release. I’d love to see the screen test that apparently blew the makers of the movie away and landed him the role. Those are some big names to beat out and will no doubt bring on a lot of pressure and curiosity; good luck sir.

What do you think about the casting decision?