I hope this remake doesn't hammer out what made the original so wonderful. This could easily become a dumb, broad comedy if not handled well. Something tells me the remake won't be nearly three hours long, though
http://variety.com/2017/film/news/jack-nicholson-toni-erdmann-remake-retirement-oscar-nominated-1201980617/Jack Nicholson to Star in ‘Toni Erdmann’ Remake, His First Major Role in a Decade (EXCLUSIVE)by Justin Kroll
Heeere’s Toni!
Jack Nicholson, who hasn’t appeared in a feature film since 2010, will star in an English-language remake of the Oscar-nominated film “Toni Erdmann.”
Sources tell Variety Paramount Pictures has acquired the remake rights to the acclaimed German film with Nicholson attached to play the title character.
Paramount had no comment.
Adam McKay, who recently directed “The Big Short” for the studio, will produce along with Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbuam 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.
The original film starred Peter Simonischek and Sandra Huller and 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.
It’s unknown who will play the lead role of Nicholson’s daughter in the film. Paramount is also looking to attach a director and writer.
Nominated for Best Foreign feature at the 2017 Academy Awards, “Toni Erdmann” has been the movie to beat in the international category and was also nominated a Golden Globe for Best Foreign film.
Sony Pictures Classics acquired U.S. rights to “Toni Erdmann” following its debut last year at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s currently playing in limited release domestically.
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 though could be possibly be 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.
Correction: An earlier version of this story reported that “Toni Erdmann” won the Golden Globe for foreign film in 2017. It was nominated for the award, “Elle” was the winner.
