After turning down offers for 10 years, John Grisham has finally made a movie deal for his 1999 bestselling novel “The Testament.”
In the novel, a billionaire defies his greedy relatives and leaves his $11 billion fortune to a mysterious illegitimate daughter doing charity work in the Brazilian wetlands. A down-and-out lawyer helps her battle her relatives over the fortune.
Producers Mark Johnson and Hunt Lowry are joining with 821 Entertainment Group to adapt Grisham's book.
Grisham will also have the right to offer creative input on the film, something which he didn't always have in the past and was one of the reasons why he's avoided Hollywood until recently.
Johnson says he's been pushing Grisham and his agent for years for the rights:
“I have been chasing “The Testament” for close to 10 years. The story has always struck me as the perfect blend of personal redemption and good, old-fashioned movie adventure. I cannot wait to get started on this film!”
This project re-teams Grisham with Hunt Lowry, who produced the film adaptation of Grisham's “A Time To Kill” in 1996.
“I've always wanted to work with John again and have been searching for the perfect project to do with Mark, so to have all culminate in the making of “The Testament” is exciting,” said Lowry.
Numerous Grisham thrillers, including “The Firm,” “The Pelican Brief,” “The Rainmaker” and “Runaway Jury” have been turned into movies. Other movies based on his novels and now in production include “Playing for Pizza” and “The Associate.”
Has this film been cast yet? Surely, the producers have an idea whom they want to hire to play at least the leading parts. Who would be a good “Rachel?”