Lee Daniels, who is currently enjoying plenty of attention as the co-creator of Fox’s smash hit Empire, will no longer direct the Richard Pryor biopic. Although chatter in the industry spoke of some possible tension between the director and the film’s producers, it appears Daniels just has his hands full at the moment.
Page Six exclusively confirmed the reports that Daniels will be stepping down to focus on developing a new series for Fox. What that means for the film, which has been years in development, is yet unclear.
Page Six reports:
The “Empire” co-creator had been set to start shooting “Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?” in May.
The film had been in the works for years, but when Daniels took over, it finally gained momentum. But he exited the project late last week.
A source told us that despite rumors of creative differences with the Weinstein Co., Daniels’ departure is because he’s busy with “Star,” his new show for Fox.
The source told Page Six that the split was an “amicable parting” and cited Daniels’ new focus.
Mike Epps is slated to play the lead role in Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, which is also the title of the late comic’s fourth studio album.
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