Before transforming into a seventies cult classic, Dolemite was an urban legend. Moore self-baptized himself as Dolemite's theatrical ambassador, delivering audiences a humorous, politically incorrect tale of a wrongfully imprisoned pimp. Deadline reports that Murphy has been interested in the role "for a decade", and his prolific comedy career certainly positions him as a worthy successor. Murphy's star began rising in the eighties when he served as part of Saturday Night Live's regular cast; it continued to shine in Trading Places, slapstick sci-fi The Nutty Professor and Shrek.

Joining Murphy in Dolemite is My Name are Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, an Emmy award-winning screenwriting duo responsible for FX's critically acclaimed series American Crime Story. Production is scheduled to begin on June 12th.