Mike Epps Calls On Kenya Barris For Richard Pryor Biopic: "They Sleepin On Us Y'all"

BYErika Marie4.3K Views
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Mike Epps, Kenya Barris, Richard Pryor, Nick Cannon, Biopic

Mike Epps believes he and Kenya Barris can make movie magic with a Richard Pryor biopic.

Over the years, Hollywood has been teasing us with a Rich Pryor film. There have been tentative announcements about potential biopics that have been in the works, but in the end, fans of the legendary entertainer were left without a blockbuster hit. Years ago, there were whispers that Nick Cannon was developing a Pryor biopic of his own, starring himself, but that never came into fruition. Then, there were also talks of comedian Mike Epps starring as the late icon, but that project was never completed, as well.

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In June 2019, Mike Epps was asked during an interview if his Richard Pryor biopic would ever hit theaters, and his answer was a tad enigmatic. "I'm having a great time," Epps said. "I love the king Richard Pryor but it's just one of those films that was hard to make, and I'm having a good time being Mike Epps right now. I'm somebody's Richard Pryor."

It seems that he's back to petitioning for a film to be developed because he recently took to Instagram to share a photo of himself next to a poster of Pryor. "I believe I can win a Oscar for the culture if I had the chance smh believers vs nonbelievers #richardpryor they sleepin on us y’all," the actor wrote in the caption. Then, he called on Coming To America (2020) filmmaker Kenya Barris for a little help. "@kenyabarris we need this for the people." This is a film that fans certainly wouldn't be mad at. Do you think Epps is the perfect actor to portray Pryor? Or should Cannon step back into the ring as a potential candidate?

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.