"ComingSoon.net has confirmed that "Spin City" co-creator and "Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence will write and direct the next two "Fletch" films for The Weinstein Company, of which the first remains Fletch Won, based on the book of the same name in the successful 1980's "Fletch" franchise of mystery/comedy novels written by Gregory Mcdonald.

Smith had wanted to cast "My Name is Earl" star Jason Lee in the title role, but "Scrubs" star Zach Braff was reportedly also a frontrunner for the role. Now that Lawrence is indeed on board, Braff definitely has an edge over other actors.

[...]

Fletch Won predates the first seven books in the series, and follows the early days of the title character's journalism career as a junior reporter in his 20's working at the News-Tribune.

"The coolest thing about the 'Fletch Won' book is that it's an origin story," said Lawrence. "Like 'Batman Begins,' I think people will enjoy seeing how Irwin Fletcher became Fletch. Not only can I recite the original 'Fletch' movie line for line, I actually read all the Greg Mcdonald books as a kid. Consider me obsessed, - I'm going to try as hard as I can not to screw this up.""

FULL STORY HERE
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Can't believe no one posted it yet...

I think he'd fit the style very well!

I read the McDonald fletch books as a kid too, 3 of them anyway. Zach Braff is all wrong for the role. Jason Lee is talented but not perfect for it either. John Krasinski is pretty close to the right thing they need. He has almost no movie experience though so I doubt they'd cast him, so you Zach Braff fans reading this can relax.

Bill Lawrence is awesome. It will be funny with him behind it. Zach is a good choice but there are a few more actors I would've chosen before him. All in all Braff is a genius.

Braff is not signed though...

According to his own website:

I know the obvious question that follows, and the answer is: I don't know yet. There are many things up in the air. Most important to me is directing my adaptation of "Open Hearts," which I had planned to shoot next summer.
We'll see what happens. But for now, I am very happy for Bill, cause he is the perfect man for the job. Not only is he one of the funniest people I've ever met, but he is a die-hard Fletch fan.

I hope they get a different Actor. Chase was absolutely brilliant in the role. He was tall, kinda good looking, and had the perfect dry witted personality. With a strong sense of Physical Comedy

The only actor I've ever seen come close to his delivery is Vince Vaughn, but even he wouldnt be right for the role. Actually if you want my opinion, and I know I might get a weird look, but I think Ryan Renoylds could be a good young fletch. Hes got great delivery in those type of roles, and has could pull off being a type of jackass Private Eye.

chevy chase is one of my favorite comedians of the 80s, i say leave fletch alone! zach braff has zero charme, jason lee is a bit more likeable but i cant imagine him playing fletch either.

Maybe Will Arnett could do it justice, if not Krasinski since there seems little chance of him.


Woohoo, there's hope.

An update by Braff:

http://www.moviehole.net/news/20060821_ ... letch.html

Well, he's certainly in talks.

The Kevin Smith/Chevy Chase fiasco should be a movie itself.