Fletch Lives Again

I've always been a big fan of the Fletch movies, especially the original Fletch from 1985, since I grew up in Utah and can really appreciate the Utah jokes that are tossed around (seen below, 1:34). I've even driven past the Mountain View Motel where Fletch stays on his trip to Provo (Utah, not Spain). A sequel has been in various stages of development since the mid 1990's, but it now appears that things might finally proceed. Much like how James Bond was reinvented by returning the character to his literary beginnings, Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is set to do the same. Currently in the works is Fletch Won based on Gregory McDonald's novel, which chronologically is the first of Fletch's adventures as a journalist solving crimes. It's no surprise, therefore, that Chevy Chase won't be reprising his role as Fletch, which is too bad since he isn't doing a whole lot these days (although he did portray a drunken Mel Gibson in a recent episode of Law & Order). Instead, rumors are that Zach Braff, best known as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian on Scrubs, will step into the title role. It's not a surprising choice, since Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence is set to direct. Besides, given J.D.'s penchant for daydreaming, I guess I can see him as Fletch, as long as the movie isn't as slap-sticky as Scrubs. The only question remaining involves the movie's potential heroine. Given Braff's track record, it will no doubt be someone completely out of his league. Seriously, he probably has it written into his contract that anyone cast as a love interest must be a pretty girl who he would not otherwise be able to date. He hooked up with Natalie Portman in Garden State and Rachel Bilson, one of the beautiful people of The O.C., in The Last Kiss. It's even more extreme on Scrubs. Below is a sample of the women his character has dated at some point during the six seasons of Scrubs. I mean, look at him and then look at them! Top Row: Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Bogush, Sarah Lancaster (Gift Shop Girl), Amy Smart (Tasty Coma Wife), Tara Reid. Bottom Row: Heather Graham, Juliana Margulies, Mandy Moore, Maria Menounos, Elizabeth Banks.