Jack Nicholson Joining James L. Brooks’ Ensemble Comedy

Chalk up another Oscar nomination for Jack Nicholson.   The veteran actor is in final negotiations to join the all-star, ensemble cast of James L. Brooks’ new comedy.   The film, tentatively titled ‘How Do You Know?’, is a romantic comedy that already boasts a cast list that includes Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon, and Owen Wilson.

The story revolves around a love triangle involving the three listed above.   Rudd will be playing a corporate executive who is vying for the attention of Witherspoon’s character.   Owen Wilson will be playing a pro baseball player who is also in love with her.   Nicholson has signed on to play the role of Rudd’s character’s father.

For months, Bill Murray circling the role of the father, but his interests in the project diminished over recent weeks.   To fill the role, Brooks reached out to his long-time collaborator, Nicholson.   The two have previously worked together on 1983’s ‘Terms of Endearment,’ 1987’s ‘Broadcast News,’ and 1997’s ‘As Good As It Gets.’   Two of these films, ‘Terms of Endearment’ and ‘As Good As It Gets,’ propelled Nicholson to Academy Award wins.   All three films were nominated for Best Picture, with ‘Terms of Endearment’ actually winning the top honors.   That film also won Brooks the three Oscars he has won, for writing, directing, and producing.

Production on the latest film is scheduled to start in less than two weeks.

Source: Variety