Empire co-creator and showrunner Lee Daniels has parted ways with The Weinstein Company and is no longer directing the studio’s upcoming Richard Pryor biopic, Deadline has confirmed.
The move comes as a result of Daniels’ busy schedule rather than any behind-the-scenes drama. Production on the Pryor film already was delayed once due to Daniels’ Empire commitments, and we’re told TWC didn’t want to delay further now that his next series Star recently received a full season order from Fox. Daniels, who co-created Stars with Tom Donaghy, directed the show’s pilot and also serves as an executive producer.
We’re told the Pryor biopic’s full cast remains in place, as does the planned October start of filming. Daniels left the production earlier in the weekend and TWC is already on the hunt for a new helmer, with several directors having already thrown their hats into the ring. The film is written by Bill Condon and charts the legendary comedian’s life and career, with Mike Epps set to portray Pryor, co-starring with Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy and Kate Hudson.