fletch won Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Now that we know what this whole Hollywood strike is about, a new list has been circulating which details all of the films (and their directors) the various studios and production companies have fast-tracked. Not all of these films will wrap production by June 1, 2008, but it does give us a clear indication as to which movies are taking priority. Interestingly enough, the list also confirms some details that (as far I can recall) weren't previously known -- for example, Guy Ritchie is directing a remake of The Dirty Dozen? For real? Another fascinating tidbit is that Fox lists the A-Team as one of their top priorities, however I thought that flick was stationed way toward the bottom of development hell. Also on that list for Fox is Used Guys, directed by Jay Roach -- although we were told production had stopped due to scheduling problems. Is it back on?

Some other stuff worth pointing out: Dimension lists Eli Roth's Cell as a pre-strike priority, even though Roth has said the script still isn't done and that it may be awhile before the film takes shape. They're also fast-tracking a Porky's remake, with no director currently attached. You superhero fans should be happy to know that both Magneto and Wolverine are on the list, as well as Justice League, Thor and Punisher II. Those that love Martin Lawrence in a fat suit, well, they're fast-tracking a Big Momma's House 3, without a director attached. And hey, Fletch Won is on there too -- with Steve Pink at the helm. Random sequel time: The Birdcage 2? Really? There's a bunch of untitled stuff on there (including one from Cameron Crowe and one from Jon Favreau), so who knows how many of these will manage to get things going in time. Regardless, it's a good chance to see what the next year will look like at the movie theater. I've included the full list after the jump (courtesy of FilmJunk); let us know what you think.

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?

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.

Kevin Smith recently confirmed what the rest of us already knew- the man has removed himself from involvement with two films he had previously been working on - a sequel/prequel to Chevy Chase's Fletch movies (based originally on novels) and the comic book film Green Hornet. Smith acknowledged that he has an unfortunate habit of annoucing projects and not always delivering, but he offers some explanation for his recent mishaps. Everyone knows the Kevin Smith versus Harvey Weinstein battle over the role of Fletch, as Smith has spent five years trying to sell the studio on Jason Lee. Smith thought that Lee's recent rise to stardom on the back of his television program My Name is Earl might lend weight to his long time argument that Lee was an underappricated talent, but no dice. Smith's removal from this project has been widely understood for awhile now, you can check out an early rumor watch covered right here at Cinematical from when the story started breaking.

As for the Green Hornet, Smith dropped it when he realised what most of America was already rather certain of - the man can't/doesn't direct action. Smith's own description of a Green Hornet directed by him is "Green Hornet and Kato leaning against the Black Beauty -- the amazing supercar and home arsenal that can do almost anything and just leaning against it talking about sex....' And Kato'd be like 'I think there's some trouble over there.' And Green Hornet's like, 'Yeah, let's check it out.' They both just walk off camera. We still hold on the car. Then from off camera you hear [He mimics the sounds of a comic fight]. Then they walk back in and dust themselves off." Funny? Yes. Super Hero movie gold? Probably not. Smith did, however, complete a script that he says he was very pleased with, and handed it in - but he has no idea what, if anything, will become of it.

I think these were probably wise career moves on the part of Kevin Smith. Okay, I'm certain the Green Hornet decision was; he may have been able to pull off a decent Fletch film, but frankly I don't think a new installment in that franchise is necessary to begin with. Smith has learned the hard way that he is a niche director, and for now, at least, he seems to be sticking to that. Don't get me wrong, I'm not insulting the man - in fact, I think I'm among the short list of media journalists who really dig the dude's work - I just think he has wisely realized that his talents are best suited towards a particular style of film.