Development
In 2018, it was reported that a television series adaptation of The Rainmaker was being developed by Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman for Hulu with ABC Studios. The series was slated to be set in a shared universe with an adaptation of another John Grisham novel, Rogue Lawyer ; both series would have been produced concurrently and contain an intertwining storyline with shared characters, and would have been able to be watched on a parallel or standalone basis. [1] The parallel series concept did not go forward with Hulu. [2]
After signing a first-look deal with Blumhouse Television in 2021, [3] Seitzman began developing The Rainmaker as a standalone project with the studio. Blumhouse would offer it to Lionsgate Television, and USA Network would order it to series in June 2024. It was reported that the series was considered part of a pivot by the channel back towards producing original dramas in the vein of its previous "blue sky" era. [2]
Casting
On August 12, 2024, it was announced that John Slattery would star as Leo F. Drummond. [4] Two days later, it was announced that Madison Iseman would star as Sarah Plankmore. [5] On August 20, 2024, it was announced that Milo Callaghan would star as the leading role of Rudy Baylor. [6] The next day, it was reported that Lana Parrilla would star as Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone, [7] and the following day, it was reported that P. J. Byrne would star as Deck Shifflet. [8] On September 4, 2024, it was reported that Robyn Cara would star as Kelly Riker. [9] On September 12, 2024, it was announced that Dan Fogler would star as Melvin Pritcher. [10] On September 27, 2024, it was announced that Wade Briggs would star as Brad Noonan. [11] On October 23, 2024, it was reported that Tommie Earl Jenkins would play Prince Thomas in a recurring role. [12]
