In a preemptive move, Lionsgate has acquired rights from Lakeshore Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment to the upcoming legal thriller. Lakeshore is handling international sales.

Based on the Michael Connelly bestseller of the same name, the film stars Matthew McConaughey as an easy-going LA defence attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental sedan and spends his career defening small-time crooks until the case of a lifetime lands him in personal jeopardy.

Marisa Tomei stars alongside McConaughey and the key cast includes Ryan Phillippe, William H Macy, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena, Trace Adkins, and Kate Moennig. 

Brad Furman, who replaced Tommy Lee Jones as director on the project, will commence principal photography in LA in July. John Romano adapted the screenplay. Jones left last November over creative differences.

Lakeshore’s Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi are producing with Sidney Kimmel in association with Scott Steindorff of Stone Village Productions.  

Lionsgate’s senior executive vice-president of the motion picture group Rob McEntegart and executive vice-president of business and legal affairs, acquisitions and co-productions Wendy Jaffe negotiated the deal with Lakeshore Entertainment’s COO Eric Reid.

Topics