Mike Epps shared details about why the Richard Pryor biopic fell through during an interview. Epps revealed that he was in talks to play Richard Pryor but faced opposition from Pryor's ex-wife. The comedian humorously mentioned that he didn't engage romantically with her, leading to her objection to Epps playing the role. He recounted attending Richard Pryor's funeral, expressing disappointment that none of Pryor's friends spoke at the event. Epps described the emotional atmosphere at the funeral and shared insights into the challenges of portraying Pryor on screen.
Additionally, he discussed the current state of comedy, addressing the impact of cancel culture and heightened sensitivity, especially on legendary comedians like Pryor, Redd Foxx, and Bernie Mac. Epps praised contemporary comedians like Dave Chappelle and Cat Williams for their fearlessness in addressing sensitive topics. He acknowledged the limitations and challenges faced by comedians in the current cultural landscape, emphasizing the need for careful navigation to preserve professional opportunities.
