German comedy and Oscar-nominated Toni Erdmann took everyone by surprise last year, largely because it shows that the Germans really do have a delightful sense of humour. Only five days after its general cinema release in the UK, an English language remake has been announced.

Related: Toni Erdmann Review

So who could be taking up the helm of the embarrassing parent Toni Winfried (played in the German language version by Peter Simonischek)? None other than Jack Nicholson, who will be coming out of a self-inflicted retirement after his seven-year hiatus from the movie world. Playing opposite him as his daughter will be Ghostbusters’ very own Kristen Wiig, with rumours circulating that Paramount Pictures have acquired the rights for the remake – this has yet to be confirmed.

Toni Erdmann - English Remake

The word on the street is that the remake was actually the idea of Nicholson’s after becoming a fan of the original film himself and subsequently brought that idea to the table of Paramount’s Brad Grey, who couldn’t refuse.

Related: Peter Simonischek – Toni Erdmann Interview

As yet no writer or director has been attached to the remake but it’s the usual suspects that take up the producer/executive producer mantel. Wiig is all set to produce alongside The Big Short director Adam McKay and Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum of Gloria Sanchez Productions. The writer and director of the original film, Maren Ade, will be producing the remake with Jonas Dornbach and Janine Jackowski. Though this may be a big Hollywood remake, with members of the original crew on board to steer this production, it shouldn’t veer off course or away from the narrative of the original.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one as the film nears production, and we’ll keep you up to date as more cast and a director are announced.