How John Slattery and Milo Callaghan learned to spar (and put on an accent) in ‘The Rainmaker’

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Just as I, a devoted cinephile, am skilled at seeking out captivating films to satisfy my own appetite for storytelling, USA is strategically wagering on “The Rainmaker,” an enticing new drama series set to debut this Friday and adapted from John Grisham’s 1995 blockbuster novel. This engaging series aims to reel in viewers yearning for high-quality scripted content, much like a talented rainmaker would bring much-needed refreshment during a drought.

Over the past several years, USA Network, owned by NBCUniversal, has shifted its focus predominantly towards unscripted shows such as reality TV, sports, and live events. During the last five years, the network’s only scripted series have been the second season of “Dirty John” (originally aired on sister channel Bravo) and “Chucky,” which aired concurrently on Syfy and USA until its conclusion in 2024.

The upcoming series “The Rainmaker,” created by Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman alongside Blumhouse Television, represents a significant leap in scripted programming for the network. Given its high-profile pedigree, both in literature and film, it’s anticipated that this adaptation could mark the beginning of an exciting new era. The original novel, which sold over 300,000 copies within four days of its release 30 years ago, has a rich history in popular culture. Its cinematic adaptation, starring Matt Damon, was released two years later.

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As a cinephile taking a stroll down memory lane, I must confess that diving back into the world of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” via USA Network’s 1995 adaptation was an intriguing experience. In this revamped version, fresh faces and reimagined personas graced the screen alongside familiar characters from the original novel. The narrative’s focus, too, underwent a subtle shift – a testament to the creative team’s willingness to innovate while staying true to the spirit of Grisham’s gripping storyline.

In the 10-episode series that Grisham co-produces, the setting of the original book from Memphis has been changed to contemporary Charleston, South Carolina. Here, our protagonist Rudy Baylor, a law school graduate who is both scrappy and brilliant, finds himself unemployed on his very first day at the prestigious firm Tinley Britt when he clashes with esteemed lawyer Leo F. Drummond. In dire need of work, Rudy stumbles upon a less reputable law firm, J. Lyman Stone & Associates, run by the tough attorney Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone. Alongside her, Deck Shifflet, an ambulance-chasing paralegal, is the only other staff member at this firm.

This description maintains the original meaning while providing a smoother and more engaging read for the audience.

Immediately after Bruiser poses a direct question to Rudy about his abilities, the pressure is high for him to demonstrate his worth as a rainmaker for the firm. However, proving himself might happen sooner than expected when he delves into the puzzling death of a client’s son at the hospital, which begins to resemble murder instead. This discovery opens a Pandora’s box filled with shady connections that keep the tension high throughout the first season of the series.

In this setting, the novice actor Callaghan and the seasoned TV star Slattery discuss their on-screen fights, potential lessons their characters might gain from one another, and the difficulties Callaghan encountered adopting a South Carolina accent for his role – despite the production taking place in Dublin, Ireland.

With an adaptation like this, did you read Grisham’s novel or stick with the show scripts?

As a cinephile delving into the pages of the intriguing novel, I couldn’t help but notice its gradual build-up – a necessity given the book’s format. Yet, when compared to the show, it seems the series needed more dramatic peaks to keep audiences hooked. However, my excitement quickly surged as I realized the opportunity to embody an antagonist, offering an engaging role with plenty of action. The thought crossed my mind: “If we bring this story to life masterfully, it’ll make for a captivating courtroom thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Milo Callaghan stated that they had all 10 screenplays from the start, which is not common. He immersed himself thoroughly in these tightly-written scripts. He felt a strong connection to them, as if they resonated deeply within him. After watching the film and reading the book, he expressed his admiration for John Grisham’s extraordinary talent.

What was it about your characters that drew you in when you signed on?

Callaghan: In essence, Rudy Baylor, for me, is a young man still mourning the loss of his brother, and simultaneously trying to find his own path. His intentions are always honorable, and the fascinating aspect of his relationships with other characters lies in how they guide him to understand that life might not be as idealistic as he thought. Occasionally, he needs to adapt and adjust his rigid principles, but he possesses a strong moral core.

You might assume Leo to be one way, but there’s another facet that surprises you. Indeed, he labels himself as a bully. As a seasoned trial attorney, his skillset likely expands with time, making him proficient in various tactics suited to different scenarios.

Initially, Leo and Rudy didn’t get along well from the start, as demonstrated by Leo confronting Rudy on his first day at work and eventually getting fired. What specifically prompted Leo to act in such a manner?

In my opinion, the true motive behind his dismissal isn’t explicitly stated but may be rooted in a perceived challenge to the established order at Tinley Britt, as the newcomer’s moral compass might not align with the current administration. However, Rudy is sharp and I suspect that Leo, being ego-driven, views anyone who demonstrates comparable talent as a mirror image of himself. Yet, what intrigues me about Leo is his unpredictability; you can never truly believe anything he says, and that’s fascinating.

Callaghan believes these two individuals are more similar than people might think. They both possess eloquence and are assertive, but Leo has matured to understand that power doesn’t always require aggression. Instead of attacking Rudy, Leo often gives him chances to make mistakes, which he does frequently. This strategy is a sign of his learning and adaptability. Moreover, Leo is the one everyone admires – it’s like the classic David versus Goliath story.

It’s evident that the novice attorneys, such as Rudy and his partner Sarah (Madison Iseman), who is employed at Tinley Britt, may still have a lot to learn from Leo. However, one might also wonder if Leo has anything to learn from them.

Slattery: Everyone, including him, probably doesn’t realize it, but they all do. And Maddie’s character, Sarah, makes this clear to him. He recognizes aspects of himself in her and possibly sees a trait he could exploit, which is her loyalty towards Rudy. He’s always eager to learn, whether it’s from others or observing their weaknesses or extracting information from them.

Callaghan mentioned that he was the youngest among the cast, similar to how Rudy is the youngest in his profession. Despite being surrounded by veterans like Deck, Bruiser, Leo, and others who have numerous years and experiences over him, Callaghan believes Rudy can learn from them as well. In turn, these experienced individuals might gain a more authentic perspective on the world due to their interactions with Rudy.

In the opening scene, Sarah converses with Leo, who accidentally lets French fries fall on the floor. Should we find ourselves liking him at this particular instance?

Slattery mused, “Does he genuinely consider other people’s opinions about him, much like beginners who are still finding their footing? I don’t believe he frets over others’ judgments. As for the audience, I’m unsure if his popularity matters, whether you admire Leo or not.

Legal dramas come with a lot of scenes set in the courtroom. How was working on those together?

Slattery: I’d wager that few actors are thrilled to find themselves saying, “Great, now I get to spend two weeks in a courtroom.” Often, it doesn’t lend itself well, and at times, you might even think, “Hold on, which episode is this, and what scene am I in?

Callaghan: John exudes an air of command yet remains flexible, never repeating his actions identically. It’s more like a dance than a routine. … One of the greatest perks of collaborating with him is the constant novelty it offers. He might critique your work and offer insights, but that first day was exceptional. He jumped right in and we immediately engaged, creating an experience that truly felt like a significant milestone.

Slattery: It seems pointless to repeat the same action when there’s already an existing version. Why do something twice identically? My understanding deepened only after I had edited numerous pieces and directed several projects myself.

In my perspective, John exudes an aura of authority, yet there’s a certain looseness to him that keeps things interesting – he never repeats himself. It’s like watching an impromptu dance act every time, working alongside him in the courtroom. (Christopher Barr / USA Network)

Lana Parrilla’s character, Bruiser, hires Milo Callaghan for her firm, and he finds himself grappling with ethical dilemmas. Callaghan remarks, “It’s a bit of a quandary, isn’t it? Despite his heart being in the right place.” (paraphrased by Human)

Vets such as Leo and Bruiser often find themselves on the other side of ethical boundaries, but what will be Rudy’s response when he is faced with situations that test his moral compass?

Isn’t it peculiar, though, that morality can be? No matter where one’s heart lies, people rarely acknowledge their own wrongdoings, except for Leo Drummond who views himself as a brute. As for Rudy, there’s always this question: Has he had enough time and encounters in life to truly understand what is right and what is wrong?

Milo, how difficult did you find adopting an American accent for the show, given that it’s set in South Carolina but was filmed entirely in Dublin? This might have meant that you were surrounded by a bit of an Irish accent as well.

I wasn’t aware… that in the U.S. film industry, you’d travel to Dublin instead of staying in South Carolina to represent a location. It just goes to show how messed up things can be in LA.

In their own words: Callaghan admits that any British actor attempting an American accent experiences some nervousness. However, through persistent practice and guidance from his dialect coach Jude McSpadden, he managed to maintain a good performance. Additionally, P.J. Byrne (Deck) wasn’t hesitant to point out when Callaghan slipped up on the accent. Overall, Callaghan had a supportive team that was highly critical and helped him keep the American accent consistent, as it rarely faltered due to his hard work.

Milo was present in nearly every scene, and his American accent added an intriguing twist. It can make your voice rise or alter your movements subtly. It’s quite disorienting but he pulled it off exceptionally well.

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2025-08-15 13:33