ABC has tapped Mike Epps to take on the role played by John Candy in a TV version of the 1989 comedy Uncle Buck, The Hollywood Reporterhas confirmed.
Based on John Hughes’ movie about a childish man who learns how to be an adult by taking care of his brother’s kids in a very childish way, Epps will star as Buck Russell, the lovable dreamer and Will’s older brother who essentially raised him as a child.
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Nia Long will co-star as Will’s wife Alexis, the founder of her own nonprofit that mentors at-risk girls.
Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley are attached to write and executive produce ABC’s Uncle Buck alongside Will Packer via his Will Packer Productions banner. The single-camera comedy hails from ABC Studios, Universal Television and Packer’s banner. Phil Traill will direct.
Epps’ credits include Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse as well as The Hangover and Resident Evil: Apocalypse. The comedian hit the Billboard charts in 2009 with Funny Bidness: Da Album, hitting the top 10 on Comedy Albums and even charting at No. 98 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.