July 29, 2002

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the June 19, 2002, edition of The Guardian newspaper, (film.guardian.co.uk)

The Runaway Jury, the long-delayed adaptation of John Grisham’s novel, is finally moving into production.

The film, which concerns a ground-breaking lawsuit against a gun manufacturer, will star Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman as the lawyers for defence and prosecution, respectively. John Cusack will play the jury foreman, and Rachel Weisz has just signed up to play his girlfriend, who plays a major part in the unfolding story. Gary Fleder (Don’t Say a Word) will direct.

This line-up is the last of several for a project that was first mooted in 1996 and has been through several troublesome stages. The first teamsheet had Joel Schumacher directing Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sean Connery. But after a row between Connery and Schumacher, that incarnation of the project was scrapped.

After getting — and losing — directors Alfonso Cuaron and Philip Kaufman, last year saw Mike Newell set to direct with Will Smith starring. John Grisham vetoed that plan, but it seems that the current cast and director meet with his approval. Barring any hiccups, shooting is set to begin on September 16. —Copyright © Guardian Newspapers Limited.

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