Jason Bateman will direct The Partner, an adaptation of John Grisham's novel, with Tom Holland in talks to star as a junior attorney who fakes his death to steal $90 million from a client. The 1997 bestseller has languished in development for years after Hollywood's initial interest, but Universal will produce the current version with a screenplay previously written by Graham Moore. Bateman will executive produce alongside Michael Costigan for Aggregate Films, while Holland will produce through Billy 17 with Harry Holland and Will South.
Grisham adaptations dominated box offices decades ago with films like The Firm and A Time to Kill, but audience preferences have shifted toward superhero franchises. Bateman recently appeared in Netflix's Black Rabbit opposite Jude Law and directed two episodes of the series. He previously directed Bad Words and The Family Fang, earned an Emmy for directing Ozark, and hosts the podcast Smartless with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.
Grisham adaptations dominated box offices decades ago with films like The Firm and A Time to Kill, but audience preferences have shifted toward superhero franchises. Bateman recently appeared in Netflix's Black Rabbit opposite Jude Law and directed two episodes of the series. He previously directed Bad Words and The Family Fang, earned an Emmy for directing Ozark, and hosts the podcast Smartless with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.
