Writer/director Bill Condon, who just completed his debut run as producer of the 2009 Academy Awards, is shopping his script Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said? to the studio subsidiaries and independent distributors around town. Eddie Murphy is attached to star. Sources tell EW.com that Fox Searchlight, the studio behind this year’s big Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire, is interested in the film. The studio, which declined comment, has a relationship with Condon, having partnered with the director on his 2004 feature Kinsey. Condon, who most recently wrote and directed Dreamgirls, had the Pryor biopic set up at The Weinstein Company but was able to pull it out when the indie outfit put it into turnaround. He initially was hoping to secure $30 million to produce the film, but that number, sources say, has dropped down to $25 million. Murphy, who has featured Pryor impersonations in his act as far back as the 1987 concert movie Raw, seems a likely choice for this role.
Feb 26
2009
07:33 PM ET
Bill Condon shopping Richard Pryor biopic, with Eddie Murphy attached
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What happened to the “Aaliyah” movie he was supposed to helm? Was that all speculation?
There was never any truth to that, believe me. Not sure where that originated – likely from someone looking to fuel traffic at their site.
J.
dreamggirls sucked, I don’t have much expectation for this film.
Eddie is the wrong person for Pryor. Wrong wrong wrong. Mike Epps is more Pryor.
But Mike Epps hasn’t proved that he has much talent. At least we know eddie has it (though most of his recent movies don’t showcase it).
The Aaliyah movie should b shootin soon but I dont remember if this guy is doing it. Look it up because the girl they got playing her looks just like her, she some Canadian singer
Sally, are you serious. Eddie Murphy is the only actor that can play this part and make it tolerable. Richard will never be duplicated, but Eddie is the closest thing to him. I think you’re just think about the bad movies Eddie has made over the years. Compare some of Eddie’s early work to Richard’s and it’s eerily similar. I really don’t want to see anyone else play this part but Eddie. A legend must play the legend!
Damon Wayans
Isn’t Eddie too old to play a young Richard Pryor?
This could possibly be Eddie Murphy’s next chance to win an Oscar, since he didn’t win one for Dreamgirls.
I’m with you Plan99. Damon Wayons did express interest and was also approached to play Richard, but turned it down at the time because he did not want to play him while he was still alive. Check out youtube for a clip of Damon playing Richard on In Living Color.
I THINK MIKE EPPS IS THE BEST MAN FOR THE ROLE I HAVE NOT BEEN THAT INTERESTED IN EDDIE MURPHY LATELY WE NEED SOMEONE WHO IS REALLY FUNNY AND YOUNG WITH ALOT OF ENERGY.
Watch eddies stand up, all he talks about is richard pryor and how he’s the reason he got into stand up. Eddie is perfect for the role.
Maybe Eddie will go rediscover his standup and tour…Ever get up on that toilet…
very nice post and all post is very cool