Lee Daniels is believed to be in talks to helm a biopic about Richard Pryor.
Daniels is looking to once again join forces with The Weinstein Company after the success of his 2013 hit 'The Butler', with the production giant on board to fully finance the film.
Eddie Murphy, Michael B. Jordan and Marlon Wayans are being lined up for the titular role as the late stand-up comedian, who famously suffered severe burns after accidentally setting himself on fire whilst freebasing cocaine.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, 'White Chicks' funnyman Wayans was the original frontrunner, especially since, at 41, he is the right age for the role of Pryor in his heyday.
However, Jordan, 26, is now said to be the hot favourite to play the iconic comedian, who died of a heart attack in 2005 aged 65.
The film will be produced by the iconic star's widow, Jennifer Pryor, and will benefit from 50 pages of Pryor's personal diaries to draw upon his real-life experiences.
The untitled project has been planned since 2009, with Forest Whitaker originally being one of the favourite contenders for the part.
Pryor is best known for his stand-up comedy but also had a role in the critically panned 'Superman III' which starred the late Christopher Reeve.
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