The Rainmaker on Stan is a thriller based on the best-selling book, and it's just been updated for a new audience.

If you're a fan of legal thrillers with a side of conspiracy, Stan's latest offering might just be your next binge-watch obsession. The Rainmaker brings John Grisham's beloved courtroom drama back to screens with a fresh twist that feels perfectly timed.

Based on Grisham's best-selling novel, The Rainmaker tells the story of Rudy Baylor, a fresh-faced law graduate who finds himself in way over his head when he takes on a case that could make or break his career. 

You might remember The Rainmaker from its first screen adaptation back in 1997. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring a young Matt Damon as Rudy Baylor, the film was released the same year as Damon's Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting, helping to establish him as a major movie star. The original film featured an impressive cast including Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, and Mickey Rourke, and successfully translated Grisham's gritty legal world to the big screen.

Watch the trailer for The Rainmaker. Article continues after video.

Now, nearly three decades later, Stan has breathed new life into this classic story, transforming it from a two-hour film into a full television series that allows for deeper character development and more intricate plot twists.

This time around, British actor Milo Callaghan steps into Rudy's shoes, bringing a scrappy determination to the role of the inexperienced lawyer who's about to bite off more than he can chew. Opposite him is Emmy Award-nominee John Slattery as Leo Drummond, the seasoned "courtroom lion" who represents everything Rudy is fighting against.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Lana Parrilla, Madison Iseman, P.J. Byrne, Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs, and Robyn Cara.

At its core, the story remains true to Grisham's original vision. Rudy Baylor, fresh out of law school, finds himself going head-to-head with the formidable Leo Drummond whilst also navigating a complicated relationship with his law school girlfriend, Sarah, who now works for the opposing firm. Working alongside his boss Bruiser and dishevelled paralegal Deck, Rudy uncovers two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client's son.

Image: Stan

What makes this version particularly compelling is how it weaves together personal relationships with high-stakes legal drama. Rudy and Sarah find themselves on opposite sides of a case that could bring national attention to their careers, adding a layer of romantic tension to an already complex legal battle.

Here's where things get really interesting: the Stan series has made some significant changes that give the story a completely fresh feel for modern audiences. The most notable? The character of Bruiser Stone, originally played by Mickey Rourke as a notorious male lawyer in the 1997 film, has been reimagined as Jocelyn 'Bruiser' Stone, played by Lana Parrilla.

This isn't just a simple gender swap for the sake of it. Parrilla brings a maternal mentorship quality to the role that adds new dimensions to Rudy's journey. 

"Women are a bit more patient, more understanding, so our approach can be tough but hopeful," Parrilla explained to 9Entertainment. 

The change works brilliantly, giving the series a more contemporary feel whilst maintaining the gritty essence of the original story.

Interestingly, Parrilla also revealed she had no idea that the character of Bruiser was written as a man when she was first offered the role. After researching the character, she found herself naturally channelling certain mannerisms.

Image: Stan

"After I saw the film, I realised I already had similar mannerisms to Mickey Rourke, you know, with my feet up on the desk or my arm behind the chair. So there were certain things I was already doing," she said.

If you're someone who devoured Suits, The Good Wife, or How to Get Away with Murder, The Rainmaker should definitely be on your watchlist. The series offers that perfect blend of legal procedural and character-driven drama that makes for addictive television.

What truly sets The Rainmaker apart is its ability to make every courtroom exchange feel like a life-or-death battle. This isn't just another case-of-the-week drama — it's a high-stakes thriller where careers, relationships, and actual lives hang in the balance with every legal manoeuvre. 

Trust me, you'll be hooked from episode one. 

The Rainmaker is streaming on Stan now.

Feature Image: Stan.