While we are unlikely to see Mike Epps in a movie about Richard Pryor anytime soon, the comedian supposedly portrays the superstar in a new series.
For years, there had been speculations of a Pryor biopic, and there was even word that filming had begun; but, as time passed, conflicting stories emerged regarding who would play the late comedian.
There was word that both Nick Cannon and Mike Epps were being considered for the role, but as ideas frequently do in Hollywood, the notion sputtered, and updates ceased shortly after that.
Epps has previously referred to Pryor as his favorite comedian and even jokingly petitioned Kenya Barris to direct a biopic. Still, for the time being, Epps is thrilled to have the opportunity to portray Pryor in the upcoming HBO series Winning Time, which follows the Los Angeles Lakers.
The actor tweeted a snapshot of himself dressed as Pryor and discussed his inclusion in the series in the text.
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“Competing is one thing; being compared is quite another,” Epss wrote. “Here I am portraying the GOAT Richard Pryor in the @winningtimehbo series.
It’s never simple to fill the shoes of our greats, but I am grateful and pleased to have received this opportunity s/o to my guy @therodneybarnes for believing in me; check us out on March 26th on @hbo #riprichardpryor#adammcay.”
When asked about the possibility of a Richard Pryor biopic in 2019, Epps told reporters, “I adore Richard Pryor, but this is one of those films that were difficult to create, and I’m having a blast playing Mike Epps at the moment.
I am Richard Pryor, someone’s Richard Pryor.” Take a look at Epps’s article below, coupled with a 1977 Richard Pryor comic spectacular.
https://youtu.be/NDJf_oFuq_Q