[Movies] Will Marlon Wayans Play Richard Pryor?
Posted by Larry Csonka on 10.07.2009
He might…
According to Entertainment Weekly's Hollywood Insider blog, Marlon Wayans may be close to signing a deal to play Richard Pryor in the Sony Biopic Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said. The film will be directed by Bill Condon, and produced by Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Eddie Murphy was last attached to the role, but dropped out after a conflict with Paramount. Marlon's own big brother Damon Wayans was also attached to the role at one time. EW had the following to say about Wayans' screen test…
Wayans fought for the role, blowing the producers away with a 13- min screen test where he 'transforms into Pryor.' The movie depicts Pryor's controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs and is currently budgeted at $20 million."
So what do you think, could Wayans pull off the role of the iconic comic?
It is moronic to say that Eddie Murphy or Chris Rock should play Pryor. Neither of them are exactly actors, they mostly play characters that are an extensions of themselves, and their only real similarities with Pryor are that they are black, barrier breaking comedians. The three men's styles are completely different otherwise. Marlon Wayans, on the other had, has proven to be a great actor with the right script and director, and actually, if you pay attention, shares a lot of the same mannerisms and traits that Pryor did on film.
Posted By: Joel Yeomans (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 06:03 PM
I say we de-frickle and de-age Morgan Freeman so he can play the part.
Posted By: Guest#1178 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 06:03 PM
too bad marlon went and got that terrible nose job... He's a good actor, but a bit too fruity to play Pryor...
Posted By: benny lava (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 06:22 PM
The man who plays Richard Prior should be talented.
Posted By: The Dutch (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:25 PM
well if chris rock doesnt want to play him, i trust chris rock being at least involved with the project and casting the person to play him
Posted By: Joe (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I think he could pull it off...while being goofy and all, there's some comedic talent there
Posted By: Ser Drake (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Marlon's the man for this if they can't get Eddie. I'm glad he's bringing out his latent talent. He should be going for roles like this more often, as he's very underrated.
Posted By: Guest#4838 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Richard Pryor redifined black comedy. Marlon Wayans is everything wrong with it.
Posted By: Bemini (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Marlon wayans is one of the most underrated actors because is is a Wayans. But if you ever watch some of his more serious roles he can really act.
Posted By: rhines2220 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:40 PM
If you watched the first season of In Living Color you'd find Damon Wayans doing an AWESOME Pryor impression from his Movie Performances. I have faith that Pryor was appreciated in that household that Damon's brother would be able to do Pryor justice. Check out on Youtube "Scared for no Reason"
Posted By: SomeDude (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 06:55 PM
He did great in Requiem for dream.
Posted By: Quik (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Charlie Murphy Bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Guest#8596 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 07:03 PM
I hope Superman has a cameo in this movie, y'know?
Posted By: Guest#2957 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Marlon CAN portray the great comedian Richard Pryor!
Posted By: Jay C (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 08:23 PM
the movie should be some documentary like film with concert clips. NOBODY will ever be able to successfully do Rich. Just like Will Smith did an ok Ali, still didn't capture him.
Posted By: fredtheimpaler (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 07:39 PM
great casting. I don't give a eff what anyone says. guaranteed this is a career defining performance by Marlon.
Posted By: Guest#4414 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 07:48 PM
I'm for it. Wonder if he got a new agent recently. Big Summer Blockcuster and now this. We could see the birth of the next Will Smith.
I totaly want to see Branden Routh show up in the Superman 3 section.
Posted By: Eddie G (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 08:36 PM
I have four words for anyone who doubts Marlon Wayans' acting talent...
Requiem
For
A
Dream.
Posted By: The 8th Samurai (Registered) on October 07, 2009 at 09:09 PM
i say let denzel washington do it
Posted By: Guest#8767 (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Marlon looks like he'd be a good choice.
Honestly, I think Mike Epps would be the guy to pull off playing Richard Pryor.
Posted By: Tom (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Why don't they get Steve Harvey? He looks like him already. Has a demeanor similar to Pryor
Posted By: guest (Guest) on October 08, 2009 at 01:10 AM
I can totally see this working. Eddie Murphy was both hugely influenced by and a good friend of Prior so I'm sure he would give it his all, but perhaps he is too recognisable as Murphy for the audience to believe him in the role no matter how well he plays it. Plus of course it'd be hard to have a character of Murphy in the film (if they wanted to cover the filming of Harlem Nights for example) if he's in it as Prior.
I'm just glad they are making the film.
Hollywood pretty much crapped on Prior's while he was alive, it's good they are giving him the respect he deserves now, even if he's not around to appreciate it.
Posted By: Fenris (Guest) on October 08, 2009 at 01:59 PM
