As award-winning director Lee Daniels preps for the upcoming Richard Pryor biopic, many names have been thrown to play the late comedian including: Terrence Howard, SNL's Jay Pharoah, Marlon Wayans, Mike Epps and Nick Cannon.
According to MTV News, Cannon posted a side-by-side photo of himself with Pryor on Instagram last week, and hinted at playing him in the biopic.
"Picking up smoking cigarettes for the next few months so forgive me if I smell like an ashtray," he said.
"#KidsDontTryThis #CancerSticksSuck #AnythingForTheCraft #HopeIDontGetAddicted #LeftHandChainSmoking #ActorLife #NotAGame #Ncredible"
He also posted another photo about the movie.
"#TBT I'm feeling his spirit. I hope y'all ready for the next level in my career. #GameChanger#Pryor"
In an interview with MTV, the producer and filmmaker says he's put in the most work to play the famed comedian.
"I'm doing the work; I'm working right now;" he said. "The movie is not in production. Let's just say that."
He also shared that he's followed Pryor's career since he was a child.
"I started in standup doing Richard Pryor's material in church," he recalled, adding that his father, a preacher, was a fan. "That was one of my first impressions that I ever knew how to do, is Richard Pryor, at like 11, 12."
TMZ reported over the weekend that the comedian's widow, Jennifer Pryor, wants Terrence Howard to play the comedian instead. Over the years, the family has expressed the most interest in Marlon Wayans playing the role.
Who do you think should play Richard Pryor?
Source: MTV News, TMZ | Photo Credit: Alan Light
