WhyThe Rainmakermakes a bold change to a key book character is explained by one of its stars.John Grisham’s legal thrillers have becomea Hollywood staple with box office hits likeThe Firm(1993) starring Tom Cruise,The Pelican Brief(1993),The Client(1994),A Time to Kill(1996), andThe Rainmaker(1997). These Grisham movie adaptations helped define the 1990s crime drama genre.
On television, Grisham’s books inspired series likeThe Client(1995–1996),The Firm(2012), and Netflix’sThe Innocent Man(2018). Now, a brand-new series based on one of his bestselling novels premieres on August 15 on USA Network. The show introduces a creative twist that wasn’t in the book, offering a fresh take onGrisham’s novelof high-stakes legal drama.
In an interview withScreenRantaboutThe Rainmaker, Lana Parrilla, who plays Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone, discussed her character’s pivotal role in shaping the story. Unlike in the book or film, Bruiser is a woman, and was previously played by Mickey Rourke. Parrilla explained that Bruiser’s character is much more developed in the series, giving her room to explore new traits not previously seen.
Meeting Rudy Baylor challenges Bruiser’s approach and opens her eyes to new possibilities. She begins to believe in Rudy’s potential and the strength of their case. This partnership helps shift the way Bruiser and her colleague Deck Shifflet see their work, adding fresh energy to the team’s dynamic.
ScreenRant: I appreciate that Bruiser is a much more significant character in this series. How does that change your approach to the character, and her approach to the law?
Lana Parrilla: First of all, I love that Bruiser’s a woman. Let’s just start there. How cool is that? And it did give me the freedom to explore all these different characteristics that weren’t in the novel and weren’t in the film.
Bruiser’s approach is so interesting because this is her father’s law office. I can’t even call it a firm because it’s in an old taco hut! But the way he raised her is to “sign ‘em up, settle ‘em out, buy a new suit,” and that’s how she’s been running the show for a while. We settle. We don’t really go toe-to-toe with any powerhouse attorney; we just settle. That’s what we do, and that’s how we make our money.
Meeting Rudy, and especially with the case that he brings to the table, means that over the course of episodes we see her opening her mind to seeing what he sees. There’s a real case here! And he sort of reminds her of the woman she used to be when she first started law. She has fallen into a pattern because her father ran the show, but now that he’s incarcerated for an extended period time, she sees Rudy and is like, “My God, I actually need him more than I ever imagined I did.”
She believes in this kid, she really does. She sees how smart he is and how willing he is, and that we actually really have a good case here that we can potentially win. He shifts her and Deck Shifflet’s perspectives in this field, and I think he’s the best addition to this little trio that we have going.”
What Lana Parrilla Playing A Genderbent Version Of Mickey Rourke Character Means
The Rainmaker’s storyfollows Rudy, played by Milo Callaghan, a fresh law school graduate trying to launch his career. Rejected by top firms, hejoins a scrappy, unconventional practice run by the infamous Bruiser.Rudy soon takes on a suspicious wrongful death case and faces off against powerful attorney Leo F. Drummond, played by John Slattery.
Previously brought to the big screen by Francis Ford Coppola with Matt Damon in the lead, USA Network’s TV adaptation of the 1997 legal drama revisits the story in greater depth. Told over 10 gripping episodes, the series slowly unpacks a layered case of conspiracy, corruption, and corporate deception.
Making Bruiser a woman brings new depth to the character, allowing Parrilla to tap into emotional and personal layers not explored in the original version. Her Bruiser is sharp, flawed, and shaped by years of doing things her father’s way. The change adds relevance and relatability, creating space for growth, reflection, and a more compelling legal journey.
The gender-swapped casting also transforms the mentor dynamic. Instead of a hardened male figure, Parrilla’s Bruiser becomes a woman running a humble law office shaped by old habits and personal loss. As she works with Rudy, her outlook begins to shift.Their partnership adds emotional weight to the storyand updates the power dynamic in a way that feels timely and fresh.
Our Take On How The Rainmaker Ups The Ante With This Bold Bruiser Move
The Rainmakermakes a bold move by turning Bruiser into a female lead, adding fresh energy to the story. This version of Bruiser feels more real and layered, with a backstory that shapes her choices. It also changes how she connects with Rudy, giving the show a more personal and emotional mentor-student relationship.
