Following a devastating car accident that almost ended his life,comedianand formerSaturday Night LivestarTracy Morganis slowly, but surely, starting to pull his career back together. The actor is now in talks for the upcomingRichard Pryorbiopic set up at The Weinstein Company. He will play iconic comedianRedd Foxx.
Lee Daniels, who directed the 2013 blockbuster smash hitThe Butler, is taking the helm onRichard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?.The Wrapreports that talks are currently underway withTracy Morgan. Though, neitherThe Weinstein Companynor representatives for Tracy Morgan would comment. It will be Morgan’s first starring role in a movie since last year’sTop Five, which was written, directed and starredChris Rock. He can also be heard as the narrator in the upcoming holiday comedyThe Night Before.
After a long and arduouscasting process,Mike Eppswas finally confirmed to be playingRichard Pryorearlier this year. He has been surrounded with a strong supporting cast that includesEddie MurphyandTaraji P. Hensonhas Pryor’s mom and dad.Kate Hudsonis playing the comedian’s wife Jennifer. AndOprah Winfreyis playing the Grandmother that raised him while his mother worked at a brothel.
Redd Foxxplays a veryimportant rolein the movie. He will be portrayed as the brash comedian he was. Foxx owned a local comedy club, and was responsible for encouraging Pryor to open up about his personal life and tell his true stories on stage. The mentor demanded that the futuresuperstarembrace the culture that surrounded him.Redd Foxxhimself would later find superstardom, appearing on his own beloved 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. He would later appear alongside bothEddie MurphyandRichard Pryorin the dramatic period comedy Harlem Nights.
Tracy Morgan most recently signed onto co-star inFist Fightas a teacher embroiled in an after school fight between two of his co-workers played byCharlie DayandIce Cube. The actor was seriously injured in an accident on the New Jersey Turnpike in June 2014. A Walmart truck slammed into a limo carrying the comedian and several of his friends. He recently returned to the stage at 30 Rock appearing as host ofSaturday Night Live. What do you think? Is this the perfect role to help Tracy Morgan along in his comeback?
