No, Thank You: Eddie Murphy as Richard Pryor

Posted by Dr. Cole Abaius (cole.abaius@filmschoolrejects.com) on February 26, 2009

Richard Pryor is Funny. Eddie Murphy used to be.

I hate to be so negative, but the news recently has only brought me down. Also, I’ve switched medications, which may be affecting my mood. I’ve also been cutting onions all morning (something for the site, don’t ask) so that might also be a factor. Unfortunately, the heaviest burden is hearing the news that Bill Condon has attached Eddie Murphy to his biopic – Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said?

According to our friends over at /film, Weinstein put the project into turnaround, so Condon is now upping the ante with the hilarious comedic talent that brought us Meet Dave and Norbit and attempting to shop it around.

First, I’ll admit that I have no idea what other actor could play the part, but Eddie Murphy is just not right for it. Eddie Murphy from 1988, maybe, but definitely not Murphy circa 2009. Secondly, despite being supremely negative about this whole thing, I wouldn’t mind seeing Eddie Murphy catch on fire.

I realize that a name like Murphy will sell the flick to studios, but I can’t see it being a very successful film in the first place unless it was done with the type of heart that something like Ray or Walk the Line was made – you know, with a real actor. Wait a minute, is Don Cheadle still available? I hear he’s great.

Here’s where I’d normally end my rant and let you guys take it from here, but I have to ask – is there anyone who doesn’t think Eddie Murphy will just play Eddie Murphy in this thing? That he won’t just ham it all up instead of accurately becoming Pryor? Is there any serious doubt that that won’t happen?

Seriously?


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  • CMW
    What about Dave Chapelle? A part like that would give him the chance to prove himself as an actor...if he is one.
  • The Napster
    I agree. Chapelle is a good choice, but he's unstable. Eddie Murphy would suck as Richard Pryor. He just doesn't have it anymore. He wants to do movies for money, which is fine, but make sure they are at least funny.
  • ddd
    chappelle might be the best stand up ever, but he doesnt have the chops to carry a biopic about pryor. he doesnt have the ability to imitate dead on like eddie murphy can.
  • he just has to play crazy which wouldn't be a stretch for Dave...I just love the idea of Pryor's life being put on film...growing up in a brothel and doing drugs at a very very young age may make for one of the most shocking bio-pics...I hope they don't water things down...setting himself on fire while smoking crack is another shocking aspect....
  • Big Dave
    I don't know - if you ever saw Raw, he can do a credible Richard Pryor. In the end, I think the script would be the first deciding factor - if someone wrote it as a "vehicle" for Murphy, then the game would be over before it started. If it were written as a serious biopic with comedic underpinings, Murphy could try to reclaim some of what he had. Without a script, its a coin toss.
  • agreed
  • he was amazing in Dreamgirls, I think he just have been given too many bad comic roles. Give him the right role, and Murphy will deliver.
  • eddie murphy does a dead on pryor impressions. wtf are you guys talking about. have anyone of you seen delirious or raw? the man is still a talent. he wont be writing or directing this so itll be good. murphy is still one of the best stand ups of all time. his movies blow, but the man has skills. look at snl from the 80s and his old stand up. this will be good for him. biopics usually turn out well anyway.
  • like it says above.. I think eddie murphy from Raw or delirious days would definitely pull it off. He's just not the same guy he was back then.

    Richard Pryor is the man! I still listen to his shows, one funny ass dude.
  • WhoButMe84
    RIchard Pryor actually chose Mike Epps to play the role, before he passed away, I think that he would make a great Richard!
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