Fletch is a bit of an odd one. Most people have never heard of the character, and neither 1985’s Fletch or 1989’s Fletch Lives (both of which starred Chevy Chase) was actually that big a hit – but if you were exactly the right age (and male) at the time they came out, these films are likely to have a very special place in your heart.
Now those people are old enough to have some clout in Hollywood and as a result there’s been talk for several years of a big screen reboot. Now the film may have found its star, as THR reports that Jason Sudeikis is in negotiations for the lead role in the film, which is currently called Fletch Won.
The hope is that is will be the start of a comedy franchise, based around the character who first appeared in Gregory McDonald’s mystery novels. If it follows the plot of the first book it will see reporter I.M. Fletcher at the very beginning of his career. While investigating the beach drug culture for a story, a millionaire businessman approaches Fletch and contracts him to murder him. The man tells the reporter that he is dying of bone cancer and wants to avoid a slow, painful death.
Fletch accepts $1000 to entertain the idea, with the promise of $20,000 if he agrees to do it. The reporter then starts to look into the man’s story, as well as investigating the drug story assignment he’s supposed to be working on, and avoiding two attorneys who are after him for alimony for his ex-wives.
The film is being described as a gritty action comedy. David List is writing the reboot, although no director is currently attached.
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