Accomplished director Mike Nichols navigated the transition from comic to director flawlessly, but his films afterward still display a deft handling of light-hearted moments and resonant themes. A viewing of “Primary Colors” or “Charlie Wilson’s War” will confirm this, but luckily it seems we won’t have to wait much longer for a new example to surface.
THR reports Nichols is in early negotiations to direct an adaptation of Jonathan Tropper‘s novel, “One Last Thing Before I Go,” produced by J.J. Abrams‘ Bad Robot banner for Paramount. No deal has been officially put forth, but if Nichols signs on it will be the second collaboration between him and Abrams after the Harrison Ford drama “Regarding Henry,” which Nichols helmed and the “Star Trek” director penned.
Tropper also handled screenplay duties for the adaptation, which follows a divorced father dealing with his ex-wife’s new marriage, his college-age pregnant daughter, and a necessary medical operation if he wishes to stay alive. Clearly the type of dramatic material suited to Nichols’ unique perspective, but first we’ll see if he even commits (there’s no offer or deal at the moment), and how director Shawn Levy‘s adaptation of Tropper’s other book — “This Is Where I Leave You” starring Jason Bateman and Rose Byrne — fares before we turn his direction.