Marlon Wayans To Play Prior

Marlon Wayans is set to play Richard Pryor in a biopic of the controversial comedian's life.

The 'Scary Movie' star reportedly "blew producers away" in a dramatic 13-minute screen test, where he "transformed into Pryor".

Eddie Murphy, 48, was set to play his friend and hero, but was recently cast aside after disagreements with Paramount Pictures.

Sony has since taken over 'Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said?' and Wayans - who recently starred in 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' - is in "advanced talks" to tell the story of the Grammy and Emmy Award winner's colourful life.

Marlon Wayans to play Prior

Pryor, who died of a fatal heart attack in 2005 age 65, wrote the story of his remarkable life with his seventh wife, including detailing his unusual upbringing in a brothel where his mother worked.

Despite his turbulent childhood, he grew into one of America's biggest film, TV and stand-up comedy stars.

It is a return to serious roles for 37-year-old Wayans who previously starred in 'Requiem for a Dream', which depicted the dark side of drug abuse, and 'The Ladykillers'.