James L. Brooks Set to Direct ‘Ella McCay,’ His First Film in 13 Years — With Jack Nicholson?

James L. Brooks hasn’t directed a movie in thirteen years. What’s he been doing all this time? Mentoring his protégé Kelly Fremon Craig, whose first two films (“The Edge of Seventeen” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”) garnered acclaim.

Here’s the good news: a listing in this week’s Production Weekly has the 83-year-old director finally getting behind the camera once again for a film titled “Ella McCay.” Production is set to begin in December. The film is being backed by 20th Century Studios.

Emma Mackey (“Emily”, “Barbie”) is to star in the romantic drama, set in Boston, which follows an “idealistic politician poised to run for governor as she deals with lingering family issues.” The project was again confirmed by The Film Stage who have additional plot details …

In the film, Mackey’s character will also be “taking care of her socially anxious, estranged brother who has become a shut in, and her marriage to her high school sweetheart…. who loves the limelight of Ella’s burgeoning career but wants Ella to give their marriage as much attention as she gives her work.”

Brooks, who has helmed only six films in his 4-decade filmmaking career, has directed three classics (“Terms of Endearment,” “Broadcast News” and “As Good As It Gets”).

His last film was 2010’s “How Do You Know,” which also happened to be the last time Jack Nicholson appeared in a movie. It was panned by critics, but developed a cultish fanbase in France. A friend, Les Inrockuptibles film writer Jacky Goldberg, swears to this day that it’s a masterpiece. It still boggles my mind.

I do have to mention that Brooks told People, just four days ago, that he’s trying to get Nicholson out of retirement. He’s worked with the actor four times, and we definitely wouldn’t be complaining about a fifth.