Jason Bateman should start familiarizing himself with legal jargon.
The creative force behind “Ozark” is set to direct “The Partner,” a film adaptation of John Grisham’s popular novel. Tom Holland is currently in discussions to play the lead role of a young lawyer at a prestigious firm who orchestrates his own death to embezzle $90 million for a questionable client. In the past, Grisham’s works were a gold mine for the film industry, with major successes like “The Pelican Brief,” “The Firm,” “The Client,” and “A Time to Kill” stemming from his novels. However, audience preferences have shifted, with many now favoring superhero films—a genre in which Holland has thrived.
Jason Bateman also stars alongside Jude Law in “Black Rabbit,” a dark thriller series recently released by Netflix, where he also directed two episodes. Bateman’s directorial ventures include “Bad Words” and “The Family Fang,” and he secured a directing Emmy for his role in “Ozark.” His acting resume features titles such as “Arrested Development,” “Juno,” “Horrible Bosses,” and “Identity Thief.” Additionally, Bateman collaborates with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes on the widely enjoyed podcast “Smartless.”
“The Partner” achieved best-seller status upon its release in 1997 and quickly attracted Hollywood’s attention, though its adaptation faced numerous delays. At one point, John Lee Hancock of “The Blind Side” fame was set to direct a version for New Regency before it transitioned to Universal, which will produce the current adaptation. Graham Moore, known for “The Imitation Game,” penned an earlier draft of the script.
Bateman will serve as an executive producer for “The Partner” under Aggregate Films. Holland will also produce via Billy 17, alongside Harry Holland and Will South. Additionally, Jonathan Eirich will produce and Nick Reynolds will executive produce under Rideback, with Grisham and David Gernert also executive producing the project.
Universal’s SVP of production development, Ryan Jones, and director of production development, Jacqueline Garell, will supervise the project for the studio.
Represented by CAA and Lighthouse Management + Media, Bateman’s involvement in the film was first reported by Deadline.
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