Last year Untouchable (aka The Intouchables) became the highest grossing French movie in history, taking over $400 million around the world. It’s little wonder then that Hollywood is interested in a remake. Now Deadline reports that a perhaps surprising name is attached to direct, Tom Shadyac – best known for broad comedy hits Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor and Ace Ventura.

Colin Firth is said to be circling a lead role, but nothing has been set in stone yet. Back in November, it was reported that Silver Linings Playbook star Chris Tucker had showed interest in the movie, but it’s not known if he’s still involved.

Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) is writing the screenplay, which follows an a very rich man who gets paralysed after a hang-gliding accident. He hires a young man with a criminal background to take care of him, forming a unique bond of friendship. The original film was one of the Best Foreign Language Film nominees at the Oscars last weekend.

Shadyac may actually be a better choice than his resume suggest, as he himself nearly died in a cycling accident. Afterwards he left the business altogether, dedicating his life to more altruistic endeavours. If he does end up making the film, it will be his first narrative feature since 2007’s Evan Almighty.