Is Jason Bateman Directing Tom Holland in ‘The Partner’?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jason Bateman will direct ‘The Partner’.
- Tom Holland is in discussions to star in the film.
- The story is based on a bestselling novel by John Grisham.
- Hollywood has a history of adapting Grisham's works.
- The film is being produced by Universal Pictures.
Los Angeles, Oct 4 (NationPress) The acclaimed Hollywood actor and director Jason Bateman is poised to take the reins on ‘The Partner’, a cinematic adaptation of John Grisham’s renowned novel. Tom Holland is reportedly in discussions to play the role of a junior attorney at a prestigious law firm who orchestrates his own demise to embezzle $90 million for a dubious client.
In previous years, Grisham was a guaranteed box office draw, with notable adaptations of his works such as ‘The Pelican Brief’, ‘The Firm’, ‘The Client’, and ‘A Time to Kill’, as detailed by Variety.
However, audience preferences have shifted, favoring superhero narratives over legal dramas, a genre that has served Holland well.
According to Variety, Bateman currently shares the screen with Jude Law in the psychological thriller series ‘Black Rabbit’, which Netflix debuted last month, where he directed two episodes. His directorial portfolio also includes the films ‘Bad Words’ and ‘The Family Fang’, alongside winning an Emmy for directing ‘Ozark’.
His acting resume features titles like ‘Arrested Development’, ‘Juno’, ‘Horrible Bosses’, and ‘Identity Thief’. He co-hosts the well-received podcast ‘Smartless’ with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.
Originally a bestseller upon its release in 1997, ‘The Partner’ attracted Hollywood's attention but faced delays in adaptation. At one point, John Lee Hancock, known for directing ‘The Blind Side’, was attached to the project.
The film has since transitioned to Universal, which is producing the current version. Graham Moore penned an earlier screenplay draft. Bateman will also serve as an executive producer, with Michael Costigan producing for Aggregate Films.
Tom Holland will produce through Billy 17, alongside Harry Holland and Will South. Additionally, Jonathan Eirich is on board as a producer, while Nick Reynolds will serve as executive producer for Rideback. John Grisham and David Gernert will also serve as executive producers for this project.