Way back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, we saw reports that filmmaker Kenya Barris was set to write and direct a film based on the life of iconic comedian, Richard Pryor. However, like so many projects in the works at that time, we haven’t really heard much about it over the past few years. But according to Barris, not only is the project still alive and well, but it’s actually turned into a TV series. 
Speaking to Variety, Kenya Barris offered some updates on the big projects that he has in development right now. Among those, we have a reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz,” which the filmmaker said is already written and will take Dorothy from being a young girl in Kansas to being from Inglewood, CA. Another project he’s currently working on is his reimagining of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which he confirms is in the works. But perhaps the one that has us most excited is the aforementioned film-turned-TV series about the life of Richard Pryor.
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“It’s a 10-part limited biographical series that takes a look from cradle to grave,” Barris explained about the Pryor project. “From his earliest upbringing — he grew up in a ho house, or a house of ill repute — and became, at one point, the biggest star in the world.”
He added, “It is my baby. I love it. He is my comedy god. A super flawed guy, but who everything, to this day, the comedy that we remember — even including [Dave] Chappelle — is derivative of what he started. That honest, reflecting, observational look at what the world is and the differences between us that actually make us more similar than we are apart. I think telling his story and letting people see things that they didn’t know about him is something that I’m super excited to bring to life.”
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For those who maybe aren’t as familiar with Pryor’s contributions to comedy, he was one of the most influential stand-up comedians to ever perform. But his comedy isn’t just iconic, what he did in Hollywood was revolutionary. He is one of the first major comedians to really breakout thanks to stand-up comedy specials, which would be released in movie theaters at the time. He also would transition into being one of the most prolific comedy actors of his generation, appearing in films such as “Silver Streak,” “Stir Crazy,” and “See No Evil, Hear No Evil,” all of which he co-starred in with Gene Wilder. He also is a co-writer of Mel Brooks’ legendary “Blazing Saddles.” 
And that’s just the stuff from his later life. He was also very honest about his rough upbringing and the struggles he encountered as a young man trying to make it in comedy. All of which would make for excellent drama for a TV series. Needless to say, we’re excited to see where this goes.