Mike Epps Confirmed to Play Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels' Biopic

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It's official!

Actor Mike Epps, 43, will play the late Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels' highly anticipated biopic on the legendary comedian.

Epps beat out big names like Nick Cannon, Michael B. Jordan and Marlon Wayans to land the coveted part.

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"@theoriginalbigdaddy, @eppsie, and me just finished a great 1st read session. #RichardPryorMovie," Oprah posted on her Instagram, confirming the big news.

In addition, Epps tweeted a pic of himself with Pryor's wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor, saying that she gave him her "blessing" to play the part.

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This actually isn't the first time the Next Friday star has played Pryor -- he also played him in the Nina Simone film Nina starring Zoe Saldana.

Pryor died from a heart attack in 2005. He was 65 years old.

In July, Nick Cannon talked to ET about wanting the role badly.

Though things obviously didn't pan out for the America's Got Talent host, watch below.