Marlon Wayans is set to play Richard Pryor in a hard cut biopic of the troubled comedians life story. Wayans (last seen in GI Joe) was brought into the project after a 13 minute audition tape blew the producers away as Wayans "transformed" into Prior onscreen.
Followers of this might wonder why Eddie Murphy isn't playin g the role as he was attached to the project for years and Prior was both his inspiration and hero proffesionally. Murphy had a falling out with the producers and then the film moved to Sony. One thing led to another and now Murphy is out and Wayans is in.
Fans shouldn't worry though. I've watched alot of Marlon wayans and the guy has the ability to go far beyond the tripe comedic fair he and his brothers plunder year after year. I have total faith that he'll bring something real and gritty to an already unique story of a brilliant man. If you don't believe me, go watch his performance in Requiem for a Dream.