Iconoclastic actor and comedian Richard Pryor's material, timing and influence are unparalleled, yet comedian Marlon Wayans is hoping to do the late legend justice in a new biopic chronicling the comic's life.According to Hitfix, the former 'In Living Color' writer and star of 'White Chicks,' 'Little Man' and the 'Scary Movie' franchise is set to star in 'Is It Something I Said,' written and directed by Bill Condon ('Dreamgirls') and produced by Chris Rock and Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor. Wayans will take over from Eddie Murphy, who was set to play Pryor but recently dropped out over conflicts with the studio.
Pryor's life was far from the confident, casual style he exuded on stage. A longtime drug user, the comedian famously set himself on fire after freebasing cocaine and was repeatedly accused of tax evasion and domestic abuse. A convincing role as a heroin addict in 1999's 'Requiem For a Dream,' though, shows that Wayans can pull the dramatic card out of his hat when called upon.
Given the overwhelming success of biopics in the awards circuit -- especially for lead actors (see Oscar nods for 'The Hurricane,' 'Pollock,' 'Before Night Falls,' 'Quills,' 'A Beautiful Mind,' 'Ali,' 'Ray,' 'Finding Neverland,' 'The Aviator,' 'Capote,' 'Walk the Line' ... need we go on?), does this mean we might actually see the Wayans family represent at the Academy Awards?
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