Is Nick Cannon lined up to portray Richard Pryor in a movie biopic?

Nick Cannon is feeding the rumor mill with the possible chance of playing the legendary Richard Pryor in an upcoming movie. The America’s Got Talent host stated that director Lee Daniels, who will be directing the movie, has sat down with Cannon to discuss future preparations for the role. Cannon has also stated that he’d been prepping for the role like growing out his hair and taking up smoking.

Cannon went as far as sharing two photos on his Instagram account that that would imply he’s at least being heavily considered, posting a current a side-by-side of him and Pryor. The other photo a picture of Pryor with a cigarette in his hand while stating that he’s “Picking up smoking cigarettes for the next few months forgive me if I smell like an ashtray.” [Note: This Instagram account has since been completely removed since]

In a live interview with TMZ, when asked about the hairstyle which he was wearing at the BET Awards, Cannon stated “Here’s the thing. There have been a lot of people out there who’ve discussed playing this role. I never want to jinx anything because you guys know how movies work. If it’s not in production, it’s not real. So all I’ll say is that I’m doing the work right now. I’m doing everything that I need to do to embody it when the opportunity is right.”

Competing for the role has been actor/comedian Marlon Wayans who has been favorite choice to at least Pryor’s family. Both Richard Pryor Jr. and Rain Pryor have stated they’re totally on board with Wayans in the title roll and didn’t think Cannon has the “cred.” However, they are not associated with the project and have been cut out by their stepmother Jennifer Pryor.

What do you think? Can Nick Cannon pull it off?

Latest Videos