Pop quiz: what’s the last film Jack Nicholson starred in? If you’re stumped by that question it’s probably because he hasn’t appeared in a role of any kind since How Do You Know, the James L Brooks-directed mega-flop from 2010.
Now, though, Nicholson is poised to come out of retirement for an English-language remake of Toni Erdmann. Yes, you read that right, Hollywood is giving Maren Ade’s sublime latest the makeover it absolutely doesn’t need. According to Variety, Paramount Pictures has acquired rights to the Oscar-nominated comedy, with Kristen Wiig set to co-star and The Big Short’s Adam McKay on producing detail along with Wiig.
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You may have noticed that we’ve been shouting from the rooftops about Toni Erdmann ever since it premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival – our most recent print edition is even dedicated to the film. Apparently we’re not alone in our unfettered adoration, with reports suggesting that Nicholson, who turns 80 this year, is also a huge fan of the original.
We’re skeptical at this stage as to what exactly a Hollywood version of a three-hour German comedy will look like, but admittedly there is a fair amount of promise here, and it’s comforting to know that one of the greatest actors of his generation will likely go out with a bang rather than a whimper.
There’s no director attached to the project as yet, although we’ve even heard rumours that Paramount is looking at McG. Here’s hoping that turns out to be nothing more than fake news. We’ll keep you updated as and when we learn more. Until then, get down to your local cinema and see Toni Erdmann. You won’t regret it.
