The magic of Lee Daniels continues. Riding the wave of the popularity of his hit FOX drama, Empire, Daniels is close to snagging Eddie Murphy for his upcoming Richard Pryor documentary.
Sources confirm that Murphy is in talks to join the cast of Daniels’ untitled Richard Pryor biopic, playing the late comedian’s father, LeRoy “Buck Carter” Pryor, a boxer and WWII veteran, in the drama.
Mike Epps is attached to star as the legendary comedian.
“Harvey (Weinstein) would like it to be released for the Oscars. Because, you know, Harvey is good at that sh-t,” said Pryor’s wife and producer of the film, Jennifer, in a recent podcast.
Murphy, who recently appeared in the “SNL” 40th anniversary special, grew up idolizing and impersonating Pryor as a comedian in the ’70s. “Richard’s the one that made me want to do comedy,” he has previously said. “When I was little I used to sneak into my basement and put his albums on.”
Also rumored for roles in the Pryor project are Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson.
Daniels, who last re-teamed with the Weinstein Co. and Oprah on The Butler, is riding the success of his hit TV drama Empire, which Fox just renewed for a second season.
Up next for Murphy will be the culinary drama Cook.