The long-gestating biopic of comic Richard Pryor has just been given a shot in the arm, as Deadline reports that Forest Whitaker has signed on to produce Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?. The actor will produce alongside the comedian’s widow, Jennifer Pryor, and his Significant Productions partner, Nina Yang Bongiovi.
The actor-producer will oversee the development of a new screenplay, although it isn’t known if a writer has been attached yet. Bill Condon was previously attached to direct Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, which had Marlon Wayans poised to play the comedy legend. The project fell apart when Bill Condon signed on to direct The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.
As Whitaker is developing a whole new screenplay, it seems unlikely they will keep that previous title, and the whole project will get a complete overhaul. Richard Pryor overcame an unconventional childhood, including being raised in a brothel, to become a legend with his edgy brand of stand-up comedy, as well as becoming a major movie star.
It isn’t known when the movie might shoot.
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