Bateman to Direct Tom Holland in The Partner

Jason Bateman will direct Universal’s adaptation of John Grisham’s 1997 thriller The Partner and will executive produce through his Aggregate Films banner. Graham Moore is adapting the screenplay; the story follows Patrick Lanigan, a young Biloxi lawyer who fakes his death to steal $90 million and start a new life in South America. Tom Holland is expected to star as Patrick Lanigan and is producing through his Billy 17 banner, though his lead deal is still being finalized after reports earlier in 2025. Producers Michael Costigan, Jonathan Eirich and Nick Reynolds are attached, with Universal executives Ryan Jones and Jacqueline Garell overseeing development. Bateman, an Emmy-winning director known for Ozark, reunites TV/film talent with Holland’s box-office draw; no release date or additional casting has been announced.