Eddie Murphy to Play Marion Barry in Spike Lee-Directed Biopic

The comedian is attached to star as the former Washington D.C. Mayor in the small screen project which is being developed by HBO Films.

December 9, 2011

AceShowbiz -

Eddie Murphy may channel his inner politician in his upcoming project. The "Saturday Night Live" alum is attached to portray former Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry in a biopic which is in development by HBO Films.

The not-yet-titled TV project has Spike Lee on board to direct with John Ridley penning the script. Murphy, Lee and Ridley are additionally set to executive produce, while Journalists Harry Jaffe and Tom Sherwood as well as filmmakers Dana Flor and Toby Oppenheimer will serve as consultants.

Barry served as mayor to the nation's capital from 1979 to 1991. He made headlines when he was caught smoking crack cocaine on videotape in a hotel room. After serving six months in jail, he was elected as the D.C. mayor again from 1995 to 1999. He is currently a member of the Council of the District of Columbia, representing DC's Ward 8.

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Murphy recently starred in "Tower Heist" and is set to appear in "A Thousand Words". Lee, meanwhile, has signed up to serve as the helmer for "Oldboy", an American version of the South Korean revenge classic.

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