Genre: Comedy/Mystery.
Studio:
Universal Pictures.
Production Company:
Unknown.
Project Phase: Script Stage.
Who's In It:
Chevy Chase (attached).
Who's Making It:
Kevin Smith (Screenwriter, possibly to direct); Brian Grazer (Producer);
based upon the character from the Fletch series of books by Gregory McDonald.
Premise: Unknown.
Release Date: Unknown.
Comments: After his series of Vacation films, Chase's Fletch series ranks as his fans' next favorite - and not coincidentally, also some of his highest-grossing films. Chase has suffered through a series of poorly-received films in the past few years, and perhaps the thought is by resurrecting his popular Fletch character so too will his box office appeal. Many fans warmly remember his crime reporter with a flair for madcap disguises that appeared in the first 1985 film and its subsequent 1989 sequel Fletch Lives.
Signing Smith on seems to have been a good omen for the project: the indie director cut his writing chops on series of Fletch books, and he admits to being a fan of the films. If good fortune smiles on Chevy, he may be taking steps to swing back into his comedic prime.
Rumors: Unknown.
Scoop Feedback:
October 2, 1997... Director/writer Kevin Smith (Chasing Amy, the upcoming Dogma) has been tapped to write the second Fletch sequel. It's a dream job for Smith, who admitted that he 'learned' how to write comedy from the original Fletch series of books. Smith's screenplay with not adapt any of McDonald's books but instead be a totally original story and may be an homage to The Third Man. Many of our scoopers said positive things about both Chase's return to pick up the character and Smith's involvement with the project. [Scoops sent in by 'Clinton', Ernie T., 'grubenst', 'Josh the Sandman', 'wbandla', George, 'Don Ho', 'method', 'Mallrat82', Allan Whatford and anonymously.]