Kenya Barris To Make Feature Film Directorial Debut With Richard Pryor Biopic For MGM

Variety is reporting that Kenya Barris, the creator of “Black-ish” and its spinoffs “Grown-ish” and “Mixed-ish,” is directing a feature film about famed comedian Richard Pryor. MGM nabbed worldwide rights to the movie following a highly competitive sale.

Barris will write, produce and direct the yet-to-be-titled project, marking his feature film directorial debut. The movie is centering on the life and times of Pryor, one of the most influential comedians of all time. Over the course of his career, Pryor appeared in over 50 movies, headlined the series “The Richard Pryor Show” and “Pryor’s Place” and wrote for TV shows including “Sanford and Sons.” Among his numerous accolades, Pryor was the first ever recipient of the annual Mark Twain Humor Prize.

“Having had a front row seat to much of Richard’s life, I am excited that the mystery of his genius is finally going to be explored and Kenya Barris is the perfect person to do it. Richard and Kenya are creative brothers,” Richard Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor said.

Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society, the film will be produced by Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg is executive producing the movie.