Eddie Murphy Drops out of Richard Pryor Biopic

As many know, Eddie Murphy has always credited Richard Pryor as being his inspiration for getting into comedy. He pretty much did a perfect imitation of him in his concert film Raw, and even casted him in his directorial effort Harlem Nights. So it was just seem natural that he would star in the film about his idol's life.

So it was a big shock when Entertainment Weekly broke the story last week that Murphy was dropping out of the Pryor biopic. The movie, called "Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said," will be written and directed by Bill Condon. Condon was also behind Dreamgirls, the 2006 musical that earned Murphy his only Oscar nomination. According to the report, Murphy left over conflicts with the project's original studio, Paramount Pictures.

Even more surprising is the identity of the star who is stepping into the role of Pryor: Marlon Wayans. EW.com reports that Wayans filmed a 13-minute screen test where he "transforms into Pryor" that secured the role for him.

While the movie will obviously have its share of comedy -- its producers include Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, along with Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor -- it will also tell the dramatic story of the comic's battles with drug addiction. There is no word yet if it goes into Pryor's later years when he was confined to a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. The film is set to begin shooting in the spring.

*Reported by Entertainment Weekly

Rewind Wednesday: Harlem Nights

Well today is a special day and I wanted to give a personal shout-out to my Aunt Gloria who is celebrating her birthday today! This Rewind Wednesday is for you!!! Harlem Nights!!

Now she is probably wondering why I pick this one, but I think it fits! This 1989 comedy-drama starred Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, and other notables such as Danny Aiello, Redd Foxx, and Della Reese.

This is one of those movies that you either REALLY like or REALLY hate, there is really no in between. For the time period that it came out and the directing done by Eddie Murphy, it was a pretty decent job. Harlem Nights is a great that stars the funniest three black comics to ever grace a comdey stage. Eddie Murphy was pretty smart, and probably knew what he was doing when he decided to cast Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor and a host of other well-known comedians to fill the roles. Harlem Nights is one of those films that has great one-liners, plenty of action, and amusing fight scenes. Many have commented on the violence and profanities in this movie. But just think about the era that it took place in, it was only necessary. And the movie is still funny! And without a doubt the two most hilarious scenes are Eddie Murphy's fistfight with Della Reese, and his shootout with Arsenio Hall. (Still laughing to this day!!) Now the critics can say what they will about Eddie Murphy, but he still cracks you up!

Much to many surprise, Harlem Nights was a critical failure, but a financial success, grossing 3 1/2 times the amount it cost to make it (worldwide) and is well known for starring three generations of black comedians (Foxx, Pryor, and Murphy).

And for your entertainment....Priceless scenes...
This is probably one of the most funniest scenes...The Shootout!


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