First, Chevy Chase considered returning to the iconic role with Kevin Smith, but that turned ugly. Then, it was going to be Smith directing Jason Lee. Then, it was going to be Bill Lawrence directing Zach Braff. Ryan Reynolds was mentioned a lot, and jumped out to me as a perfect choice. The most recent talk had Joshua "Pacey" Jackson stepping into the role, with Steve Pink (Accepted) at the helm. But it seems the role of Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is still up for grabs. Now The Office's John Krasinski is interested, bringing the total to at least four appealing television actors who have flirted with the update of the 1985 comedy classic, Fletch. Fletch Won has been passed around like a hot potato, and I'm not even sure what script they're working off of at this point. IMDb lists a script by Pink, Eli Jorne and Charlie McDowell, but it also lists a 2007 release date -- and that ain't gonna happen. I don't know what to believe anymore!

"My name was tossed around a little bit for the role, and it's something that [I might consider]," Krasinski tells MTV Movies Blog. "[Negotiating something like this] is a give or take kind of thing. I read the script, and it is hilarious. It's just one of those things that is so terrifying, to step up and be in a role that was done so perfectly," says Krasinski, adding "I mean, Chevy Chase not only created that role, but he did it pretty damn well." I think fans should be happy with this bit of news. The original film was very important to my youth, and I've been surprisingly pleased with every potential Fletch. Krasinski is terrific on The Office, and would be a much better fit for the material than the admittedly talented Joshua Jackson. I'd be happy to see Krasinski take a crack at Fletch, especially if he can keep the "raised eyebrow looks to the camera" at a minimum. Plus, it'd be a great way for him to earn back some cool points after the sure-to-be-sucktacular License to Wed. "Robin Williams as a Zany Preacher?" The only phrase less likely to get me into the theater would be "Ned Beatty as an Exotic Dancer."

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]

Odds and ends from Monday:

• So, it appears telekinetic powers are a hot commodity in Hollywood these days. First there was Doug Liman's, Jumper, and now Nick Stahl and Taryn Manning have signed on to The Speed of Thought. Pic focuses on a "scoper" (Stahl) who helps the government by utilizing his powers, even after he's told they are part of a disease and will ultimately drive him insane. Somewhere along the way he meets a woman (Manning) with similar telekinetic abilities, and the two team up to find out what's really going on. [via Empire]
• Even though Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence has come on to direct the upcoming Fletch Won, leaving most to assume Zach Braff would soon follow and sign on to play Fletch himself, the actor has yet to sign on the dotted line. In an interview with IESB, Braff notes, ""No I am not definitely doing Fletch Won, I am thinking about it but I am not definitely signed on." But, why? Personally, I think there are better Flecth's (ahem, Jason Lee) out there, though there's no denying the chemistry between Lawrence and Braff. What do you think? Will he sign?
• While speaking to press at the Edinburgh Film Festival, Steven Soderbergh admitted that Ocean's Thirteen will indeed be the last and final Ocean's-related film. In fact, the only reason they're even doing an Ocean's Thirteen is because George Clooney was upset with Ocean's Twelve (he thought it was too complicated) and wanted to revive the comedic aspect from the first film. Hey, that's cool -- but what if no one finds Ocean's Thirteen funny? Will George want to keep making them until they get it right? [via Coming Soon]

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.