Fans Debate Marlon Wayans' 2010 Richard Pryor Screen Test

In September 2025, a screen test of Marlon Wayans portraying the late comedian Richard Pryor resurfaced online, reigniting a debate among fans. The footage, which was shared by a screenwriter, shows Wayans delivering a spot-on impression of Pryor's iconic standup voice.

While some fans praised Wayans' performance, others argued that Mike Epps would have been a better choice to play the legendary comedian. One fan commented that Wayans' portrayal would require viewers to "wash out [his] face" and replace it with Pryor's. Another fan stated that Epps, not Wayans, is "the man for the job" due to his closer comedic resemblance to Pryor.

However, it's important to note that the screen test everyone is reacting to is not tied to any upcoming Richard Pryor biopic. In fact, Wayans auditioned for the role back in 2010 for a different film project. The actual Pryor biopic that Epps was reportedly attached to has been in limbo since 2014 due to casting issues and a dispute between Epps and Pryor's widow.

Fortunately for fans, a 10-episode series covering Pryor's life from birth to death is currently in the works, led by writer and producer Kenya Barris. Barris has described the project as his "baby" and a tribute to the "comedy god" that Pryor was, despite his flaws.