by: Jay Carlson

The list of names to play troubled stand-up comedian Richard Pryor seemed like a who’s who of African American actors. Names like Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans and Nick Cannon were all rumored to be in the running at some point. But it seems as though one name has risen to the top after an explosive screen test. Mike Epps looks to be the odds-on favorite.

Me and kate hudson tryin to history pic.twitter.com/yKmv1OxOqH

— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) July 23, 2014

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The coveted role of Pryor’s wife Jennifer has also come down to Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway.