Jack Nicholson, who hasn’t appeared in a feature film since 2010, will star opposite Kristen Wiig in the English-language remake of “Toni Erdmann.”

Sources tell Variety Paramount Pictures has acquired remake rights to the Oscar-nominated film with Nicholson and Wiig attached to star.

Adam McKay, who recently directed “The Big Short” for the studio, will produce along with Wiig, Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum of Gloria Sanchez Productions. Maren Ade, writer and director of the original “Toni Erdmann,” will exec produce the remake along with producers Jonas Dornbach and Janine Jackowski.

Paramount is still looking to attach a director and writer.

The original “Toni Erdmann,” starring Sandra Huller and Peter Simonischek, followed a practical joking father who tries to reconnect with his hard working daughter by creating an outrageous alter ego and posing as her CEO’s life coach. The German pic is nominated for best foreign feature at the Academy Awards on Feb. 26 and was also nominated for Best Foreign film at the Golden Globes in January.

Sony Pictures Classics acquired U.S. rights to the project last May following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s currently playing in limited release domestically.


“Toni Erdmann” is nominated for best foreign-language film at the 2017 Oscars. SONY CLASSICS PICTURES
Sources tell Variety that Nicholson, who turns 80 this year, was a huge fan of the original and approached Paramount’s Brad Grey with the idea and Grey immediately worked with the team at Paramount to secure the rights.

“Toni Erdmann” marks Nicholson’s first film since playing a role in the James L. Brooks dramedy “How do You Know,” which many in Hollywood thought could have been the actor’s last major film. He also starred in the 2007 film “The Bucket List” opposite Morgan Freeman.

The three-time Oscar-winner has been courted for a few films in recent years, including the Branch Rickey role in “42” as well as Robert Downey Jr.’s father in “The Judge,” but passed on both.

Wiig, who recently starred in the “Ghostbusters” reboot at Sony, can next be seen in Alexander Payne’s “Downsizing” opposite Matt Damon. She is repped by UTA.

The english-language adaptation of German comedy sensation “Toni Erdmann” is still alive at Paramount, TheWrap has learned, but with some key changes in housekeeping.

Jack Nicholson is no longer attached to star as an errant father to a joyless daughter, despite reports to the contrary on Wednesday, one insider familiar with the project said. Kristen Wiig is still attached to star as the daughter, career-driven until her dad teaches her chaotic lessons about what matters most in life.

Lisa Cholodenko (“Olive Kitteridge,” “The Kids Are All Right”) is now stepping up to direct the project in addition to writing the adaptation — a role she took this Spring after former producing team Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner dropped out.

Nicholson spent a long time on the fence during early development, which would have brought him out of an 8-year movie hiatus. He last appeared in the 2010 James L. Brooks comedy “How Do You Know,” opposite Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd.

Wiig will also serve as producer. Representatives for Nicholson and Paramount did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Maren Ade directed the original, which became Germany’s entry and subsequent nominee for the Best Foreign Language Oscar. It starred Peter Simonischek and Sandra Hüller as father and daughter.

News of Cholodenko’s escalated duties on “Erdmann” was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

If not Nicholson, I think Gerard Depardieu would be an excellent choice. Maybe even Bill Murray.