With the acclaimed HBO series Girls now for the history books, creator-star Lena Dunham and producer-scribe Jenni Konner are free to branch out onto other properties. As first reported by The Tracking Board, they may have snagged a big one. Dunham and Konner appear to be in talks to write the English-language adaptation of the 2016 German hit Toni Erdmann, based at Paramount. The remake – which currently does not have a director attached – is looking to mark a big-screen comeback for Oscar-winning Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson and co-star funny woman Kristen Wiig, of Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live fame.
The original feature – written and directed by Maren Ade – starred Peter Simonischek as an eccentric father attempting to reconnect with his workaholic daughter, played by Sandra Hüller. The German comedy – which debuted at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival – was an instant hit with critics and received Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations in the Best Foreign Film category. Ade is set to serve as executive producer on the English-language remake. Adam McKay, Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum are producing under their Gloria Sanchez Productions banner. The remake would serve as Nicholson’s first film role in nearly a decade – he last appeared on-screen in James L. Brooks’ 2010 comedy How Do You Know.
The HBO series Girls ended its six year run earlier this year. Dunham previously wrote, directed and starred in the 2010 indie comedy Tiny Furniture, which served as her big breakout. As of now, it is unknown when Toni Erdmann will start production. Stay tuned.