In what might signal the eventual realization of Zach Braff’s rumored starring attachment to the prequel reboot of the Fletch series, the Weinstein Company announced yesterday that Bill Lawrence — creator and show runner of the Emmy-nominated Scrubs — has signed on to adapt and direct Fletch Won, based on the book of the same name from the successful 1980s franchise of mystery/comedy novels written by Gregory McDonald.

Fletch Won predates the first seven books in the series — two
of which, of course, were turned into movies starring Chevy Chase — and
follows the early days of the oblivious title character’s journalism
career as a junior reporter in his 20s. Fletch Won will be the
first feature film Lawrence (above) will direct, and is expected to
shoot in April 2007, following his work on the final season of Scrubs. No cast is yet attached; David List will serve as producer.

Even though production is a ways off, Lawrence is already looking forward to the challenge. “The coolest thing about the Fletch Won book is that it’s an origin story,” he says. “Like Batman Begins, I think people will enjoy seeing how Irwin Fletcher became Fletch. And not only can I recite the original Fletch
line for line, I actually read all the Greg McDonald books as a kid, so
consider me obsessed. I’m going to try as hard as I can not to screw
this up.” I can see this working, and a re-teaming with Braff might
well serve both of their burgeoning film careers. Stay tuned.