According to UpRoxx, Mike Epps will be playing the role of the iconic comic, Richard Pryor. Director Lee Daniels has apparently tweeted the news to the world.
Previously there were many names attached to the role, including Marlon Wayans, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Michael B. Jordan, and Nick Cannon. But evidently, Epps impressed both Daniels and Oprah Winfrey (who is one of the producers) in getting the role.