Marlon Wayans, best known for outrageous comedies such as “Scary Movie” and “White Chicks,” reportedly is in “advanced discussions” to play legendary comedian Richard Pryor in the biopic “Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said?”
The movie will focus on Pryor’s career, his controversial comedy and his addiction to drugs.
According to Entertainment Weekly, “Wayans fought for the role, blowing the producers away with a 13-minute screen test where he ‘transforms into Pryor.’”
Bill Condon (of “Dreamgirls”) will direct the film for Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions and Sony Pictures. Eddie Murphy was originally set to star but dropped out of the project.
Wayans is definitely an interesting choice for this role. He’s primarily known as a comedian, but he proved he can do drama with a critically-acclaimed turn in “Requiem for a Dream.”
If Wayans (pictured at right) pulls this role off, it’s the type of part that could potentially earn him an Oscar nomination. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time a comedian has received accolades for a serious role.
So what do you think? Is a comedian like Wayans the right choice? Should the part go to a proven dramatic actor like Don Cheadle? Or should it be a breakout role for a lesser-known actor like Chiwetel Ejiofor? Sound off in the comments section.
Follow Alexa Milan on Twitter at http://twitter.com/alexamilan.
Richard Pryor’s the man. I hope they do him justice.
Strange choice
Dubious casting …