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]

"Hey Scott, you wanna see a screwball comedy starring Zach Braff, Jason Bateman and Amanda Peet?"

Hell yes I do, Got a trailer for me?

"Sure do, buddy. Here you go!"

Oh cool, lemme just settle in here ... OK, so ... yeah. Hmm, it's about a guy in a wheelchair who tries to woo the wife of his inter-office nemesis? Sounds watchable... Yeah, it's... Wow, it's gonna be extra slapsticky, right? Sure looks like it. Oh. Oh jeez. The biggest set piece in the movie is when one guy drops a paraplegic man down a flight of stairs.

"Yep, what's wrong? Don't you love Zach Braff in Scrubs and Jason Bateman in Arrested Development?"

Of course I do, and damn you for even questioning those things. But those shows come from people like Bill Lawrence and Mitch Hurwitz...

"Yeah, and?"

And this desperate-looking flick was written by the guys who did, well, they've done nothing so far. And if Fast Track is little more than "watch the cripple kick butt/fall down" gags, I think I'll just stick to my Scrubs and Arrested Development DVDs.

"What about that supporting cast?"

Donal Logue, Charles Grodin, Mia Farrow, Paul Rudd, Fred Armisen... OK, not bad at all. Didn't see a whole lot of 'em in the trailer, though...

"So you could be completely wrong about this movie."

Yep, marketing's a tricky game. Guess we'll find out on December 29.

"(Limited.)"

Yes, limited. January 17 is the wide release. Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief language and a drug reference -- because nowadays I guess it's not considered "violence" when someone drops a handicapped man down the stairs.