John Slattery has been bestowed with the esteemed lead role in the upcoming USA Network series, "The Rainmaker," a gripping adaptation of the legendary John Grisham novel that shares its title. The series, originally greenlit by the network in June, promises to bring the thrilling legal drama to life on screen.
Slattery embodies the formidable character of Leo F. Drummond, hailed as "a renowned giant of the courtroom and a senior partner at the formidable Tinley Britt law firm, where Rudy Baylor finds himself locked in a fierce battle." The series' official synopsis ignites the imagination: "A fresh-faced law graduate, Rudy Baylor, confronts not only the courtroom behemoth Leo Drummond but also his former law school sweetheart, as he delves into two intricately intertwined conspiracies surrounding the enigmatic death of his client's son, alongside his mentor and her unorthodox paralegal."
The enigmatic role of Rudy Baylor remains an open casting call, adding to the anticipation surrounding the series.
Slattery, a veteran of the screen and small screen alike, is renowned for his portrayal of Roger Sterling in the critically acclaimed AMC series "Mad Men," earning him four prestigious Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His versatile television resume also boasts appearances in "The Good Fight," "Mrs. America," "Arrested Development," "Veep," "Sex and the City," and the cult favorite "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp." In film, Slattery has left his mark in acclaimed productions such as "Spotlight," "The Adjustment Bureau," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Charlie Wilson's War," "The Station Agent," and "Traffic," showcasing his remarkable range and depth as an actor.
He boasts the prestigious representation of Gersh and Sloane Offer, navigating the entertainment landscape with their expertise. This upcoming series, a joint venture between Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television, heralds a fresh take on a beloved tale. At the helm, Michael Seitzman pens the narrative and serves as Executive Producer, his vision guiding every aspect of the production. Collaborating seamlessly, Jason Richman co-wrote the pilot episode alongside Seitzman and also wears the Executive Producer hat. The project boasts an impressive line-up of EPs, including Grisham, David Gernert, and Jason Blum, ensuring a high standard of quality and creativity.
"The Rainmaker" first graced the silver screen in 1997, a cinematic masterpiece directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola. It starred a youthful Matt Damon as Baylor, captivating audiences with his performance. The ensemble cast was a who's who of Hollywood, featuring Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Mary Kay Place, Mickey Rourke, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Roy Scheider, Virginia Madsen, and Teresa Wright, each delivering a powerful performance that etched the film into cinematic history.
The news of Slattery's casting in this television adaptation was first broken by Deadline, igniting excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. With such a formidable team behind it, this new iteration of "The Rainmaker" promises to be a gripping and unforgettable journey, reimagining the classic tale for a modern audience.
