Jack Nicholson, who won two of his three Oscars (“Terms of Endearment,” “As Good as it Gets”) under the direction of the once-great James L. Brooks is apparently coming to the helmer’s rescue. Two weeks before Brooks’ first film since “Spanglish” (ewww!) goes before the cameras, Nicholson (who hasn’t worked since the egregious but popular “The Bucket List”) is closing a deal to play Paul Rudd‘s father in Brooks’ romantic comedy. The part was intended for Bill Murray, who lost interest, Variety

reports

. In the Sony-sponsored flick, Rudd competes with Owen Wilson for the hand of Reese Witherspoon. Meh.

Warner Bros.