*Lee Daniels is back in the director’s chair for the long-in-the-works Richard Pryor biopic, featuring Mike Epps in the starring role.
The filmmaker had the director’s job originally, but eventually backed out due to his insane work schedule, which includes serving as executive producer and co-writer on Fox’s “Empire” and the upcoming music drama “Star.”
During a press conference on Thursday, the Weinstein Company announced that Daniels will carve out enough time to direct, “Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said,” which stars Oprah Winfrey as Pryor’s grandmother, and Kate Hudson as Jennifer Lee Pryor.
It was also announced Thursday that Jay Z has signed on as a producer, with cameras set to start rolling early next year.
Earlier this week, Daniels revealed that he is also working on a musical based on his life.
Speaking to Billboard, Daniels, 59, said he was “in talks about doing a musical film about my life. I’ve had a pretty interesting life. I’ve come from the projects. I’ve been homeless.”
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