In Black Hollywood news, Mike Epps may join The Hangover franchise and Jordin Sparks, Anthony Mackie and Jennifer Hudson begin work on a gritty production.

Comedian Mike Epps is in talks to reprise his role as Black Doug in The Hangover 3. In the original Hangover, Epps played a drug dealer who was mistaken for the group's missing friend.

Todd Phillips will direct this comedy starring original cast members Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis.

Plot for the third installment is being kept under a tight lid, but Warner Bros. plans to release the film on May 13, 2013.

Also, Deadline reports that production has begun on the drama The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete. The George Tillman Jr.-directed film will star Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Jeffrey Wright and Anthony Mackie. 

Shot in Brooklyn, the story follows two inner-city youths left to fend for themselves over the summer after their mothers are taken away by law enforcement.

The film’s screenplay was written by Michael Starrbury, and Alicia Keys is executive producer.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

 (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for TwoFour54)