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

BY Erika Marie 4.2K 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
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.