WATCH: Marlon Wayans’ Audition Tape for Richard Pryor Biopic
The role now belongs to Mike Epps, in an upcoming movie that will be directed by Lee Daniels (Empire) with Oprah Winfrey also attached to play Richard Pryor’s grandmother. But, when the movie was in early development, Marlon Wayans was tapped to play Richard Pryor in a film that Chris Rock was expected to produce. But, that was 5 years ago in 2010. When Rock wanted to make the movie he was shocked to see Marlons’ audition tape.
Lee Daniels has not really spoken publicly about the project, although he did point out that Chris Rock loved Marlon Wayans’ audition, however producers and casting directors loved Mike Epps’ performance even more.
There were several other actors that were tapped to audition for the role of Richard Pryor including Nick Cannon and Michael B. Jordan. However, the role was later given to Mike Epps.
Here’s the footage; the first half, I’m told, was written and directed by Bill Condon (director of films like “Dreamgirls” and “The Fifth Estate”); the second half is a Pryor monologue.
Check out the audition below:
What do you think of Marlon Wayans audition for the upcoming Richard Pryor biopic?
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Image Credit: (Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty Images)
