Moves are being made on The Weinstein Company’s English-language remake of the smash hit French film The Intouchables.  The story follows a wealthy white aristocrat who suffers a tragic paragliding accident that leaves him a quadriplegic. After cycling through a number of caretakers, the man bonds with a young, troubled immigrant caregiver.  The original pic was a massive hit overseas, taking in over $420 million against a budget of just $9 million, and so TWC has been working hard to get the English-language remake together.

Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) was at one point in talks to direct and Colin Firth has been circling the lead role for some time, and now it looks as though prolific comedy director Tom Shadyac is looking to make his big Hollywood comeback with the film.  Hit the jump for more.

Per Deadline, Tom Shadyac is in talks to take the helm of the Intouchables remake.  Shadyac directed a number of commercially successful coemdies in the 1990s and 2000s, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Nutty Professor, Patch Adams, and Bruce Almighty.  The helmer suffered a near-death experience a few years ago that changed his outlook on life (chronicled in the documentary I Am), but it appears that he’s ready to get back in the director’s chair for the first time since 2007’s Evan Almighty.

The redo already has a script by Paul Feig and Colin Firth continues to circle the starring role, though other actors are apparently eyeing the part as well.  After a prolonged negotiation process it looks as though Shadyac’s deal will close imminently, so expect to hear much more about the project in the coming weeks.  The Weinstein Company loves themselves a feel-good story, and a crowdpleasing effort with a recent Oscar-winner in the leading role sounds like prime material for awards season later this year or for 2014.  It's never too early to start talking awards season fare, amiright? (shoot me).

Watch the trailer for The Intouchables below.

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