Fletch is returning without Chevy Chase and with John Hamm.

Have you heard the news making all the headlines? After a 35-year big-screen absence the 1985 comedy-thriller, Fletch, is in talks for another reboot and this time it will feature Mad Men actor, Jon Hamm, in the title role. There have been many talks about remaking Fletch but it never left the development stage.

The franchise has been searching for a new identity to play the lead character of witty investigative journalist, Irwin M. Fletcher. However, it hasn’t been able to find an actor who is capable of filling the esteemed role that originally belonged to comedic genius Chevy Chase (Caddyshack, Three Amigos) in the first two Fletch films. Jon Hamm is joining forces with Miramax and will star in the film, as well as produce it along with his manager, Connie Tavel. Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) is slated to direct and Zev Borrow (Lethal Weapon TV Series) will pen the script.

Bit by bit, one way or another someone is going to make this movie. Reboots, remakes and re-imagines of Fletch have been in perpetual development limbo for decades as the rights to the film bounced back and forth between studios.

Many big names like Jason Lee, Dave Chappelle, John Krasinski, Jason Sudekis, Ryan Reynolds, Zack Braff, Joshua Jackson, Chris Tucker, Justin Long, Jimmy Fallon, Ben Affleck, Ellen Degeneres, Adam Sandler, and even Brad Pitt were thrown in the hat to play this unconventional hero. Some actors got tied up in other projects and some passed because they didn’t think they could live up to the sacred role. Delays were also due to studio heads and writers unable to come to an agreement on an actor with the star power that could fill Chase’s shoes.

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Fletch is running out of time. The original Fletch movie was based on the book by author Gregory McDonald and even back in 1974 when he first sold the film rights it took over a decade to finally see a theatrical release. Initially, Columbia Pictures planned on making the movie, next it was Fred-Roy Productions, and then it went to Charisma Records, until finally finding a home at Universal Pictures.

The primary casting was also no easy process. Many high profile actors like Charles Grodin, Richard Dreyfuss, Michael Douglas, and Treat Williams were up for the par. McDonald vetoed stars like Burt Reynolds and Mick Jagger, until finally bestowing the lead role to Chevy Chase. As the criminally underappreciated legendary actor reaches his mid 70’s in age he should be given one last chance to step into the gumshoes of Fletch in this newly announced reboot based on McDonald’s second Fletch book, Confess, Fletch.

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Somebody wants to buy, somebody wants to sell, but nobody wants to tell fact from fiction. No doubt about it, Emmy Award-winning Jon Hamm is an amazing actor; he’s funny, handsome, and radiates charisma. Although he seems passionate about this project, in my opinion, there’s only one man who is qualified and has the confidence and sarcastic charm to play Fletch, and that’s comedy superstar Chevy Chase.

Chase has stated that playing this role was his favorite because he was able to demonstrate his comedic talents with the character of Irwin M. Fletcher. He posted on his personal Instragam account in May 2019 and reflected on the role, “What made it so fun to make was my improvising, to the point that Fletch was me and I was Fletch.”

Fletch was a Chevy Chase vehicle driving at top speed and has become one of the most quoted movies in history. This was due to writer Andy Bergman’s script but mainly because of Chase’s timing and delivery and unscripted wisecracks.

It’s a fool’s paradise out here. There’s been a resurgence of movie reboots lately and Hollywood needs content so they’re cashing in on nostalgia. I’m happy a deal was finally made and a new generation will be exposed to the greatness that is Fletch but Miramax should rethink their casting because they are removing the soul from this cult classic film.

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Somebody wants to know, somebody knows a lot. I reached out to accomplished film producer and entertainment industry veteran, Wolfgang Glattes, (Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, All That Jazz) who worked as the first assistant director on Fletch.

When asked about his experience with Chase he said, “Everybody had a wonderful time on set with him and I love him. He is so much associated with the film and the character of Fletch.” He was unaware that a remake with a new lead actor is in the works and when I told him the news his response was, “I think it’s a big mistake.”

Chevy Chase is a prime choice and a proper Fletch reboot calls for a steak sandwich, not Hamm. As far as Jon Hamm being able to replace Chase’s character in Fletch…

Get Outta Town!

Who would you like to see in the new Fletch movie?

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SOURCE: Variety