Jason Bateman to direct Tom Holland-starrer 'The Partner'
What's the story
Hollywood actor-director Jason Bateman will be directing an adaptation of author John Grisham's novel The Partner. The film will star Tom Holland as a junior attorney who fakes his own death to embezzle $90 million from a shady client, reported Variety. The project is being produced by Universal Pictures, which has taken over the development of The Partner after it moved from New Regency.
Director's chair
Producers of 'The Partner'
Bateman, who has previously directed films such as Bad Words and The Family Fang, will also serve as executive producer of The Partner. Holland will not only star in the film but also produce it under his Billy 17 banner with Harry Holland and Will South. Other producers include Jonathan Eirich for Rideback and Michael Costigan for Aggregate Films.
Studio strategy
History of 'The Partner' project
Universal Pictures is producing The Partner, which was published in February 1997 and has been a bestseller. The project has been in development for years, with John Lee Hancock once attached to direct an adaptation at New Regency before it ultimately moved to Universal.
Production oversight
Production details and Holland's next projects
The production of The Partner will be overseen by Universal's SVP of Production Development, Ryan Jones, and Director of Production Development, Jacqueline Garell. Grisham and David Gernert are also executive producing the project. Meanwhile, Holland is also set to star in The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.