After a three-year hiatus from original scripted television, USA Network is stepping back into the world of character-driven storytelling. Since 2021, the channel had filled its schedule with reality programming and sports, leaving fans of classics like Suits, White Collar, and Monk nostalgic for the sharp writing and episodic intrigue they once enjoyed. That changes this week with the premiere of The Rainmaker, a legal thriller adapted from John Grisham’s acclaimed 1995 novel.
From Bestseller to Screen — Again
The Rainmaker isn’t a new name to pop culture. The story was first brought to the big screen in 1997, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon in one of his early breakout roles. The upcoming USA Network adaptation, however, offers a fresh take, spread over ten episodes to explore characters and plotlines in greater depth than the two-hour film format allowed.
This time, British actor Milo Callaghan steps into the lead role of Rudy Baylor — marking his first major starring role after notable supporting parts in HBO’s Dune: Prophecy and Starz’s The Spanish Princess.
The Story — A Young Lawyer Against the Odds
Rudy Baylor is fresh out of law school and ready to begin his career at the state’s largest law firm, headed by the formidable Leo F. Drummond (played by Mad Men’s John Slattery). But Baylor’s ambitions hit an immediate wall — on his very first day, he loses his job after clashing with Drummond during a meeting.
With few options, Baylor accepts a position at a small, struggling law firm run by the sharp-witted and unapologetically bold Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone (Lana Parrilla), a gender-swapped take on the character portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the film. Stone operates out of an old taco shop and isn’t afraid to bend the rules to win cases. Rudy’s first major challenge? Facing off in court against the same elite firm that fired him — and against his girlfriend, who still works there.
Bringing the Character to Life — Milo Callaghan’s Perspective
Callaghan approached the role with a mix of respect for the original film and a desire to create something new. Speaking to the Associated Press, he explained:
“I rewatched the film after I was cast. Matt Damon is someone every young actor admires, and Coppola’s work is iconic. But I didn’t want to mimic it. We have ten hours of television to explore Rudy’s journey, so our version naturally takes a windier road.”
He also emphasized the realism of portraying a young lawyer’s growth:
“In Grisham’s book, there’s a huge section just on the months of case preparation. I wanted audiences to feel that grind — that you don’t become a great lawyer overnight. It’s late nights, endless research, and constant problem-solving.”
The Demands of Legal Drama Filming
While playing Rudy, Callaghan faced the dual challenge of mastering legal jargon and adopting a Memphis accent. This wasn’t without its difficulties:
“Sometimes you’d prep an eight-page court scene for days, then get a rewrite at midnight before shooting at 8 a.m. Not only would I have to relearn the lines, but I’d also have to make sure the accent was flawless. It definitely cost me some sleep.”
He credited a dialogue coach for helping refine the performance so it felt effortless over the long shoot:
“For a movie, you might get away with a slightly exaggerated accent, but for ten hours of TV, it has to be light and natural — something you can do in your sleep.”
Studying the Real Legal World
To ground his performance, Callaghan immersed himself in real-world trials — from high-profile cases like O.J. Simpson’s to lesser-known proceedings. He observed the subtleties of courtroom speech, the personalities of attorneys, and the strategies they used to connect with juries.
“We don’t have the same ‘celebrity lawyer’ culture in the UK. Watching how American attorneys perform in court was fascinating. It’s part theatre, part strategy, and all about precision.”
Why The Rainmaker Matters Now
The return of a scripted legal drama to USA Network signals a renewed commitment to storytelling that blends procedural intrigue with character depth. For viewers longing for the sharp wit and human drama that defined the network’s golden era, The Rainmaker promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh energy.
With its proven source material, talented cast, and expanded narrative scope, the series could be the show that reestablishes USA Network as a home for smart, compelling dramas.
