From Empire to Eddie

Is Eddie Murphy making a comeback? Well, it sure looks like it. Lee Daniels, the creator of the season’s hottest show Empire, has confirmed it. Daniels confirmed Murphy’s cinematic comeback via Instagram by announcing that the comedian would star in his upcoming biopic on Richard Pryor posting: 

"Strap in and brace yourself. They done let me and him out of our cages! #idonteventhinkimreadyforthisone! #excited #proud #OMG" 

This is exciting news for Murphy who has long claimed to be a Richard Pryor fanatic. In Eddie Murphy’s classic stand-up Raw, the comedian discloses,

 “When I was young I wanted to be Richard Pryor so bad I used to sneak in the basement, put his albums on, and just listen.”

It was this respect and understanding of Richard Pryor’s life that led Lee Daniels to cast Eddie Murphy in the Weinstein Co. drama; however, Murphy won't be staring as his idol. Instead, Murphy is set to play Richard’s abusive father, LeRoy “Buck Carter” Pryor, the man who has inspired much of Richard Pryor’s comedy. 

Murphy will be acting alongside celebrities Mike Epps, Kate Hudson, and Oprah Winfrey. This pairing is definitely making us nostalgic and has us very excited for what's to come.The last time that Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey, and the Weinstein Co. worked together on a film, it dominated the box office, not only debuting in first place it’s opening weekend, but remaining on top for three consecutive weeks. We’ll have to wait and see if this biopic will be as big of a success, but according to Pryor’s wife Jennifer, Harvey Weinstein believes it will be. In a recent podcast Jennifer reveals, 

“Harvey (Weinstein) would like it to be released for the Oscars. Because, you know, Harvey is good at that sh-t.” 

The movie will be released in 2016. “Entertainment Tonight” first reported the news of Eddie Murphy's casting.

By: Christina Powell