Tom Holland to star in and produce John Grisham’s ‘The Partner’ for Universal

Tom Holland takes on a darker role in John Grisham’s ‘The Partner,’ with Graham Moore adapting for Universal.

Tom Holland has signed on to star in and produce The Partner, a film adaptation of John Grisham’s 1997 bestselling novel. 

Universal Pictures has enlisted The Imitation Game screenwriter Graham Moore to adapt the legal thriller, which marks Holland’s venture into more complex and morally ambiguous roles.

The story follows Patrick Lanigan, a lawyer from a prestigious Biloxi law firm who fakes his death in a burning car, leaving behind a wife, newborn daughter, and a stolen $90 million. Lanigan flees to South America, only to be hunted down by his former client and forced to face his past upon returning to the U.S.

This project signals Holland’s continued diversification following his intense performance in The Crowded Room. Currently, the actor is involved in several high-profile projects, including Universal’s The Odyssey and the upcoming Spider-Man sequel.

The Partner was previously attached to John Lee Hancock after the success of films like A Time To Kill and The Client but stalled in development. Rideback acquired the rights and set up the project at Universal. Holland’s production label, Billy17, formed with his brother Harry Holland and Will South, will co-produce alongside Rideback.

Holland’s return to the big screen comes after a year-long hiatus, signaling a strong lineup of future films. Fans are eager to see how he tackles Grisham’s morally complex protagonist.