Marlon Wayans May Star in Richard Pryor Biopic

Marlon Wayans is in serious talks to star as one of the world's iconic comics in the biopic "Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said." If Wayans lands the part it could arguably be the role of his life. The film, according to EW.com, has already been written and will be directed by "Dreamgirls" mastermind Bill Condon. Prior to the film's move to Sony Pictures, Eddie Murphy had been attached to play the role, but he's since dropped out over disagreements with the film's original studio, Paramount Pictures.

Known for his jokester roles, Wayans surprised critics with a dramatic turn in 1993's "Requiem for a Dream." And insiders reveal to EW.com that Wayans went hard for the role, wowing the producers with a 13-minute test where he "transforms into Pryor." Viewers can expect the film to explore Pryor's struggle with drugs and his controversial approach to comedy.—ZH