When it was announced last year that Paramount was setting up an English language remake of the hit German comedy Toni Erdmann, it was hard not to assume that something would get lost in the translation. But with Jack Nicholson said to be coming out of retirement to star alongside Kristen Wiig, there was a feeling that maybe something special could come from the remake after all. Unfortunately, a year and a half later, we are hearing that Jack Nicholson has decided to stay retired after all. The project has officially landed a director, however, and Kristen Wiig is still on board. Can they successfully adapt this unique comedy for American audiences?

According to Deadline, Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right) will direct Toni Erdmann for Paramount Pictures. It had been announced back in May that she would be writing the screenplay with The Kids Are All Right co-writer Stuart Blumberg. Girls creators Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner had previously been in negotiations to pen the script but a deal did not materialize. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay are still attached to produce.

Meanwhile, The Wrap is reporting that Jack Nicholson has dropped out, although it is unclear whether this had anything to do with the new creative team. They are now in search of someone to play the goofy prankster father who follows his grown-up daughter on a business trip in an attempt to reconnect with her. Supposedly Kristen Wiig originally wanted Bill Murray for the role but by the time he got around to reading the script it was too late. Perhaps now he’ll have another shot at it. Do you still have hope for a U.S. remake of Toni Erdmann?