For those that have seen the fantastic German comedy Toni Erdmann, this news will either be welcomed with open arms or likely to give you an aneurysm.
There really is no middle ground with Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner's creation, Girls, and it's likely to be the same with the US remake of Toni Erdmann - and so, here we are. Deadline reports that Dunham and Konner are close to signing a deal, with Kirsten Wiig and Jack Nicholson to play the roles of Ines and Winifred.
Maren Ade, the director and screenwriter of the original, has said that she won't be involved in the film whatsoever - so it's really up to Paramount if they decide they want to go with Dunham and Konner. No director has been lined up as of yet, however names like James L. Brooks and Barry Levinson have mentioned already as possible contenders. Alexander Payne, meanwhile, is reported to have been offered the role of director and rejected it.
So, thoughts? Whatever you might think of Lena Dunham's public persona, there's no denying that Girls was a massive hit for HBO. She has a distinctive comedic voice that Paramount believes they can utilise for this so, ultimately, it's about your opinion on the entire idea of a US remake of Toni Erdmann.
We're not fans, to be honest. It's a great film on its own and trying to homogenise it for Americans is just going to blunt its greatness.
Via Deadline
