“Toni Erdmann” has been dazzling critics and collecting accolades since it made its world premiere at Cannes last year. We’ve known for some time that an English-language version of the German film is in the works and now Variety is reporting that Paramount Pictures acquired the remake rights and Kristen Wiig and Jack Nicholson will topline the project. They’ll take on the roles originally played by Sandra Hüller and Peter Simonichek.
Written and directed by Maren Ade, “Toni Erdmann” follows a father (Simonichek) and daughter (Hüller) whose personalities are radically different from one another. Ines is an overworked, polished management consultant who is deeply invested in other people’s opinions of her. Her meticulously managed life is turned upside down when Winifried, a music teacher, shows up from out of town at her work for an unexpected visit.
No word on how faithfully the remake will follow the original film’s plot.
Sony Pictures Classics originally snagged the U.S. rights to the daughter-father dramedy in May. Variety writes 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.”
Along with her acting duties, Wiig will produce. She’s joined by Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, and Jessica Elbaum of Gloria Sanchez Productions.
Variety reports that Paramount is “still looking to attach a director and writer.” Ade is serving as one of the film’s executive producers. We’re wondering why she isn’t taking the reins on the new version of the film since she found so much success at the helm of the original, racking up many awards and nominations for her script and direction. Maybe she was offered the gig and turned it down because she didn’t want to retread the material. In any case, we hope Ade, who has spoken in favor of quota systems for funding women-directed films, had the opportunity to take on the gig.
“Toni Erdmann” is nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the upcoming Oscars. The event will take place February 26.
