Say it ain't so Pacey? For those who thought the re-birth of the Fletch series was going to go one way (Kevin Smith, Jason Lee), and then another way (Bill Lawrence, Zach Braff), it appears it's going to go in an entirely different direction. IESB reports that Joshua Jackson (remember him?) is set to take over the role of Fletch in the long-gestating Fletch Won project, with Steve Pink signing on to direct. Pink, for those who don't know, wrote the John Cusack flicks Grosse Point Blanke and High Fidelity, and he also helmed last summer's surprise hit comedy Accepted, starring Justin Long.

Last time we checked in on Fletch Won, Zack Braff had officially declined to star (because of other projects he wanted to direct), and Bill Lawrence (Scrubs creator) was hanging on by a thread, scouting locations and searching for an adequate replacement. Since then, it seems Lawrence has dropped out and, instead of putting the kibosh on this sucker once and for good, they've decided to give it one more shot. Personally, I have more of a problem with Jackson (who's always pissed me off ever since his days rubbing elbows with Dawson and the gang) than I do with Pink. Grosse Point Blanke, High Fidelity and Accepted are three films I highly enjoyed, and I'm sure the guy would bring some laughs to the franchise. But Joshua Jackson? Pacey? Seriously? IESB says word should be made official anytime now, so everyone -- on the count of three -- sing it with me ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... I don't wanna wait for our lives to be over ...

When Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence signed on to write and direct Fletch Won (based on the novel by Gregory McDonald), everyone assumed Zach Braff would take over the character so hilariously portrayed by Chevy Chase in 1985's Fletch and the 1987 sequel, Fletch Lives. Heck, Braff knew he was perfect for the part, and even went so far as to talk about playing Fletch shortly after Lawrence's deal was announced. However, months have passed and nothing has ever been made official. But now, according to TVGuide.com, word has it that Braff reluctantly had to turn down the role due to scheduling conflicts. Bummer.

Lawrence, who's in New York scouting talent for the film, said: "Zach is writing and directing his own film [Open Hearts] at Paramount. I'm very happy for him. We were looking forward to doing this thing together, but when you get an opportunity like that, you've got to take it." With a seventh season of Scrubs on the horizon, it would have been impossible for Braff to take on his own film (a directorial follow-up to the highly-praised Garden State), as well as Fletch. Something had to give. And, unfortunately for us, Fletch got screwed. Since filming on Scrubs picks up again in August, I'm not sure when Lawrence plans on shooting Fletch Won. I assume the first thing he has to do is secure a star; someone who possesses enough comedic talent to take on this iconic character. Will they go after, say, Vince Vaughn? He's Chevy-like. Or, they can stay younger and target another sitcom actor-turned-big screen star. Perhaps someone like Topher Grace fits that bill? Personally, I say they revert back to the Kevin Smith version, and find a way to snag Jason Lee. He's the perfect guy for this role. What do you think?

[via IGN]

Just yesterday, our very own Matt Bradshaw told you how actor/director/writer Zach Braff decided to push back plans for directing his next flick in the interest of waiting on a few actors he really wanted. At the time, we had no idea what this would do to the long rumored plans of Zach Braff taking the lead role in a new Fletch movie. However, 24 hours is a long time in movie-land, and we now have newer and more up-to-date information. While doing promotional work for his newest acting gig, The Last Kiss, Braff took some time out to discuss future plans. He had a lot to say about the new and (final?) season of Scrubs (including a possible guest role -- David Cross as Tobias Funke!), and also found time to discuss the whole Fletch Won rumor. As to his involvement in the film, he said "I don't know. Bill Lawrence is definitely writing and directing Fletch, and there's a good chance I'll do it. I've just got to talk to Uncle Harvey (Weinstein) ...I was the one who told Harvey he should hire Bill. Bill's a huge Fletch fan."

So it sounds like Braff is still very interested in the role, although no promises have been made yet. I can't imagine how the situation would lead to Weinstein telling the very popular Braff he can't be in a comedy movie based on a set of books Braff is very familiar with (as evidenced by further comments made by Braff in the same promotional gig), particularly since no time table is in place for Fletch yet. The final word as of right now: Braff still wants Fletch ... but does Fletch want Braff?

Hey, it looks like we're finally going to get another Fletch film! In fact, I'd go ahead and make that a double -- as in, two Fletch films. You heard right -- two! Of course, this is all coming via an unconfirmed scoop sent to Coming Soon, but the scoop itself makes a whole lot of sense.

You'll remember awhile back how Kevin Smith was supposed to write and direct a new Fletch flick for the Weinstein Co. However, after Smith and the Weinstein's butted heads over who would play the classic character (Smith wanted Jason Lee and the Weinstein's wanted Zach Braff), the project ultimately disappeared off Smith's plate, something he's still pretty upset about. So, with Zach Braff playing front-runner, there were rumors Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence was getting involved, perhaps to pen a draft or plant a big fat one on Braff's cute little behind. Of course, they were only rumors ... until now. (Actually, they're still only rumors, but I really liked the way I ended that last sentence. Very mysterious. I like feeling mysterious.)

That's right, it appears Bill Lawrence will not only write, but he'll also direct ... both films. According to this "unconfirmed scoop", the title of the first film will still be Fletch Won. Hearing this news all but solidifies Zach Braff taking on the lead role, but until things are made official, we'll hold off on breaking out the party favors. Too bad, I really liked Jason Lee in the lead role. In my opinion, he would have made a much more convincing Fletch than Braff. Oh well, I guess the dude will just have to prove me wrong.

UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter is confirming this to be true. While they say Bill Lawrence has signed on to write and direct Fletch Won, they do not mention a second film. As expected, Zach Braff is Lawrence's first choice for Fletch.