Summary
The Rainmakertelevision series has found its new lead actor to portray Rudy Baylor. The upcoming USA Network series is based on theJohn Grisham novelof the same name. It was originally adapted into a 1997 legal drama, which was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Matt Damon in the lead role, alongside Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, and Jon Voight. Theplot focuses on a lawyer taking on a fraudulent insurance company case.
PerVariety,The RainmakerTV show hascast Milo Callaghan as the main protagonist Rudy Baylor, who Damon previously portrayed in the film adaptation. Baylor is described as a character who “goes head-to-head with courtroom lion Leo Drummond as well as his law school girlfriend” to “uncover two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client’s son.” No further casting information for the TV show has been revealed in this announcement, but Madison Iseman was previously cast in the love interest role.
Where Have You Seen Milo Callaghan?
Callaghan Has A Rich Background In Television
While Callaghan has a flourishing history in television,The Rainmakerwould mark the biggest break in his career. Before that, the actor wascast inDoctor Whoseason 14, where he played Allan K Sullivan in “Dot and Bubble.” Callaghan also had his acting debut just four years ago, when he appeared in five episodes of the seriesThe Spanish Princess. His other roles have included one-off appearances inFBI: InternationalandCasualtyand in the poorly-reviewed horror filmThe Strangers: Chapter 1.
John Slattery is also confirmed to be in the cast ofThe Rainmaker, playing Leo F. Drummond.
Callaghan’s casting in the upcoming USA Network is reminiscent of Damon’s own career. Though Damon is a household name now, his pre-1997 roles included only small extras and parts inSchool Ties,Glory Daze,Courage Under Fire, andChasing Amy. Heeventually rose to fame withGood Will Hunting, which then escalated withThe Talented Mr. Ripleyand theBournefranchise. However, sinceThe Rainmakerwas released before these projects, Damon was still establishing himself as a rising actor when he featured in the legal drama. The career path won’t be much different for Callaghan, as Rudy would be his first major role.
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Hopefully,The Rainmakertelevision series can boost Callaghan’s career and create a similar breakout experience. However, this will ultimately come down to the series' success on the USA Network. This may be the challenge, with the original 1997 movie already setting the standard for the legal story, which has been deemed one of the best Grisham adaptations on the screen. Luckily, the small screen treatment will at least allowThe Rainmakerto explore some of its side characters in greater depth, which could be one of the ways the series can improve from the movie iteration.
