"The Rainmaker" Stars John Slattery and Milo Callaghan Share Insights on Adapting a Grisham Classic

A New Take on a Classic Story

Adapting a story into a new format, especially one that spans multiple genres, is no small task. But the team behind The Rainmaker has taken on this challenge with a fresh approach, creating a TV series based on John Grisham’s well-known novel of the same name. Originally adapted into a 1997 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon, the book has long been a favorite among fans. However, the television version brings its own unique perspective to the tale.

Milo Callaghan, who plays Rudy Baylor in the series, approaches his role with a sense of calm and confidence. “We're making our own version,” he says in an exclusive interview. “I think the source material is so iconic with the film. Particularly for me, following in Matt Damon's footsteps, I think he's fantastic. And to stand on the shoulders of such a giant, I really wanted to honor that performance.” Callaghan admits he watched the film and read the book while shooting, but he also made sure to focus on the scripts and create his own interpretation.

John Slattery, who plays Leo F. Drummond, adds that the changes made to the script were significant enough that prior versions had limited relevance. “In reading the scripts, it was apparent that the changes had been made that there was so significant that the relevance of any of the prior material was limited,” he explains. “So you watch the film, just to sort of have points of reference, read the book. And the scripts were written early on. And so that's what you go on.”

The Legal Drama That Challenges Beliefs

The series, which premiered on USA on August 15, follows Rudy as he works under Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone, played by Lana Parilla. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he clashes with Leo F. Drummond, a seasoned lawyer known for his aggressive courtroom tactics. In the premiere, Drummond makes a striking statement: “What determines victory is not the truth.” This line highlights a central theme of the show — the idea of a post-truth society where emotional narratives can overshadow factual evidence.

Slattery comments on this concept, saying, “I think we unfortunately do live in a period where the truth doesn't matter, or doesn't seem to matter.” He explains that in the courtroom, the goal is to convince the jury of a particular narrative, even if it means bending the truth. “You're telling a story to the jury, and you're hoping that they buy it. And in Leo's case, he'll bend the truth if he has to.”

This tension between truth and perception is not only relevant to the legal world but also reflects broader societal issues. Whether it's through current leadership, the internet, or AI, people often navigate their understanding of reality based on what they believe to be true. For Leo, this distinction is clear — he knows the difference between the courtroom and the real world.

A Clash of Generations

Rudy and Drummond’s conflict is more than just a battle of prosecution versus defense; it represents a generational divide. Callaghan, like his character, is taking on a major role for the first time since entering the industry in 2020. He has learned from experienced actors like Slattery, Parilla, and Dan Fogler, who have helped shape his approach to acting.

“I don't want to overcompliment John. But he's a powerhouse, and I learned such an incredible amount from getting to spend time with him,” Callaghan says. “We have such a brilliant group of creatives. But in particular, between [Slattery] and Dan Fogler, that idea of not doing it the same way twice, it felt so playful. John has such a big heart. It's been a real pleasure.”

Slattery, a four-time Emmy nominee, sees Callaghan as a young actor with a mature understanding of his craft. “For a guy who's as young as he is, and new to all this as he may be, he has a wisdom beyond his years,” he says. “He works incredibly hard. You get in there and you're just two equals. You're just trying to figure out the beats of the story and give some options to the post-production process.”

A New Era for the Series

As the series continues, viewers can expect more compelling stories and deep character exploration. New episodes of The Rainmaker air every Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on USA. With its blend of legal drama, moral dilemmas, and character-driven storytelling, the show offers a fresh take on a classic story, while also reflecting on the complexities of modern society.