Comedian and actor Mike Epps is the latest actor to be cast in the upcoming Nina Simone biopic. Epps has been selected to play the role of iconic comedian Richard Pryor, who was a childhood friend of Simone. "Well you all know him and his brilliance is hard to find but show us what you got for this one," read the casting call sheet for Pryor's role. "He was friends with Nina and performed at the same venue with her when they were younger. Richard like Nina had a particular kind of brilliance, wit and edge." 

Epps recently starred in the remake of "Sparkle," in which he played one of his most dramatic roles to date. Amidst ongoing controversy regarding her casting, actress Zoe Saldana will be playing the lead role of Simone, while British actor David Oyelowo will serve as leading actor in the role of Simone's Paris-based manager, Clifton Henderson. The untitled biopic reportedly still has several more roles to fill, yet will begin filming this week in Los Angeles.