Mike Epps To Play Richard Pryor In Two Films: Actor Cast As Legendary Comedian Opposite Oprah Winfrey In Lee Daniel’s Biopic And Upcoming Zoe Saldana Movie ‘Nina’

Looks like Mike Epps has scored the role of a lifetime... twice. The actor has just been confirmed to play legendary comedian Richard Pryor in a biopic directed by Lee Daniels.

This is the second time Epps has been cast as the renowned funnyman. He also starred as Pryor in the upcoming film "Nina," a look at the life of Nina Simone, which features Zoe Saldana in the lead role.

The recent casting news was confirmed on Twitter when Daniels shared a photo of himself with Epps and Winfrey, along with the caption, "Get ready ya'll- #Mike Epps as #Richard Pryor."

Epps, known for roles in films like "The Hangover" and "Jumping the Broom," is also a stand-up comedian and was allegedly handpicked by Pryor himself, as well as Pryor's wife, when an earlier incarnation of the film was in the works.

Mike Flemming Jr. from Deadline reported that Epps once spoke of his entounter with Pryor after having been tapped for the role.

"I met Richard and felt like I was in Oz the whole time," said Epps. "It's hard to describe what he means to me or any stand-up comic. You could say he's paid the dues for everything we do up there."

Unfortunately, after Pryor's death in 2005 from multiple sclerosis, that project fell apart.

According to BBC News, Nick Cannon, Michael B Jordan, and Marion Wayans were also in the running to play Pryor in Daniels' film.

However, Epps once again won the role, even receiving the blessing of Pryor's widow, Jennifer.

Epps tweeted a picture of his meeting with the comedian's wife:

Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing !you got to be stong to have been with the king! pic.twitter.com/OxvbjvPqHc

— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) August 24, 2014

Oprah Winfrey also shared a photo of the exciting casting news on Instagram:

Winfrey will portray Pryor's grandmother, who ran a brothel where screen and stage legend grew up.

As for "Nina," the release date for Epps' first take on Pryor has not yet been set.