In 1995, following the publication and reception of [[Richard Pryor]]'s autobiography ''[[Pryor Convictions|Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences]]'', Scorsese started developing a film based on the book as a potential directing project. [[Damon Wayans]] was cast as the comedian, with Pryor himself and his wife Jennifer Lee consulting and [[RobRobert O'Hara]] writing the script. Filming was supposed to begin in late 1996 or early 1997, with the working title of ''Live'', but the project was held up due to Scorsese's indecisiveness.<ref>{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Bradford|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/10/the-richard-pryor-biopics-16-years-in-development-hell.html|title=The Richard Pryor Biopic's 17 Years in Development Hell|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=October 18, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2025}}</ref>
