Colin Firth Poised To Star In Paul Feig’s ‘Untouchable’
By PanARMENIAN
“Bridesmaids” helmer Paul Feig is in early negotiations to write and direct, and Colin Firth is in early talks to star in “Untouchable” the Weinstein Co.’s English-language remake of Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache’s French box office hit “The Intouchables,” which TWC brings to U.S. theaters on May 25, Variety reported.
While there’s no script yet, Feig has an offer to tackle the potential awards contender, while Firth has met on the project and is circling the coveted lead role.
Based on a true story, the dramedy follows a wealthy aristocrat who suffers a tragic accident that leaves him a quadriplegic. He goes through several caretakers before bonding with a young, troubled caregiver, and the seemingly mismatched duo end up learning a lot from each other.
“Intouchables” producer Nicolas Duval-Adassovsky will return for the remake, which is eyeing a fall start date.
Atria Books recently secured world English-language rights to publish Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s “Le Second Souffle” (The Second Wind), the decade-old memoir on which “The Intouchables” is based. Pic, which stars Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy, has sold 14 million tickets in Gaul.
Feig has lined up several projects in the wake of the boffo success of “Bridesmaids” ($288 million worldwide), including Universal’s romantic comedy “The Better Woman” and Fox 2000’s adaptation of Ruth Reichl’s bestselling book “Garlic and Sapphires,” neither of which has a firm start date. He’s also set to direct HBO pilot “The Viagra Diaries.”
Firth, who’s coming off acclaimed turns in “The King’s Speech” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” has been rumored for the remake by the French media as far back as November. He’s slated to star opposite Nicole Kidman in “The Railway Man,” followed by the West Memphis Three pic “Devil’s Knot” later this year.
