Hulu Developing A John Grisham Universe With Two Series, 'The Rainmaker' And 'Rogue Lawyer'

Image from The Wrap

By Darian Scalamoni

            First, it was the clamoring of movie studios to find the next cinematic universe similar to the formula started by Marvel Studios. Now, the TV world has caught the bug. According to Deadline, Hulu is developing a TV-based universe around John Grisham novels, The Rainmaker and Rogue Lawyer.

            What is being tentatively called, The Grisham Universe, is being envisioned as the first part of a larger franchise. Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman will serve as co-showrunners on the shows which is being described as “two books, two shows, one shared storyline.” They will work on both shows with an assembled writer’s room as they try to pump out eight scripts for each series; or eight episodes.

            Each series will be based on one of the books and will have its own storyline and cast but the two shows’ plots will also be linked as they will share a villain and some other characters from one show will appear on the other. This means that essentially every episode of every series within this Grisham Universe will be a crossover episode.

            This is a groundbreaking idea and if it works, it could be an interesting new format that other television series could formulate. I’m on board as of now, but of course, I want to see how the cast pans out as well as some footage, but The Grisham Universe is in the early stages for sure.  

            The Rainmaker was adapted already as a feature film which was released in 1997 starring Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes and Jon Voight with Francis Ford Coppola directing. Voight was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in the film.

            Who else is excited for this bold, refreshing new take for television? Who would you guys like to see attached to this series and do you have your own ideas for a TV universe? Let us know in the comment section!