Leaked screen test footage of Marlon Wayans portraying legendary comedian Richard Pryor has resurfaced online, sparking a fervent debate among fans over the ideal actor for the role.
The clip, shared by a screenwriter on X, features over two minutes of Wayans’ audition and drew mixed reactions. Some users praised his performance, particularly his vocal impression, with one commenting, “if you close your eyes, sounds just like Pryor.” However, many others quickly began to champion comedian Mike Epps for the part, arguing his comedic style and resemblance to the late icon made him a better fit. “You can’t play Richard Pryor if you’re not as funny as Richard Pryor,” one user wrote. “Mike Epps not only looked like him back then but comedically was much closer.”
The online discussion, however, is based on outdated information. Wayans’ screen test is from a 2010 audition for a Pryor biopic that never came to fruition.
Many fans are likely conflating this with a separate, later project that was set to star Epps. That film, helmed by director Lee Daniels, has been stalled in development since 2014, reportedly due to casting difficulties and a dispute between Epps and Pryor’s widow.
For those eager to see the comedian’s life on screen, a new project is on the horizon. Creator Kenya Barris is currently developing a 10-episode series that will cover Pryor’s entire life. “It is my baby,” Barris told Variety, calling Pryor his “comedy god.” He added, “That honest, reflecting, observational look at what the world is and the differences between us that actually make us more similar than we are apart.”
