Less than a year since CBS axed the development of David E. Kelley’s series adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer, Deadline brings word that Netflix has officially given a series order to Kelley’s newest version of the project, which will be based on author Michael Connelly’s crime novel series. In honor of the character’s Latinx origins in the books, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Magnificent Seven) has been cast for the leading role as Mickey Haller. The title role was previously played by Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey in the 2011 film adaptation and was originally set to be played by Logan Marshall-Green in the CBS version.
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“What a year 2020 was. As writers we are used to sheltering in place, but this was different. It was the first time since college where I found myself unable to write for five weeks. But then things started to look up. In November, I released the sixth installment in The Lincoln Lawyer book series, The Law of Innocence. It had been seven years since the last book, and Mickey Haller had been ruminating in my mind.” Connelly said in a statement.
He continued, “I’m thrilled to call Netflix our home. And I’m excited to bring this rich, multilayered story filled with intriguing characters and mysteries to solve to millions of viewers – both old and new fans – around the world.”
Connelly also commented on Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s perfect casting. “Mickey Haller, an iconoclastic idealist, runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, as he takes on cases big and small across the expansive city of Los Angeles. Manuel is the ideal Mickey Haller, as Haller follows in the footsteps of his attorney father with the showmanship of his Mexican movie star mother. Manuel brings a powerful dynamic and dimension to the role – one that aligns with the books and will give the show the opportunity to celebrate the Latinx heritage and roots of this Los Angeles-based story.”
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Based on the second book in The Lincoln Lawyer novel series titled The Brass Verdict, the first season revolves around Mickey Haller (Garcia-Rulfo), an iconoclastic idealist, who runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, as he takes on cases big and small across the expansive city of Los Angeles.
The series will consist of 10 hour-long episodes described as complex and mysterious arcs that fans of the books will know and love with a mix of light-hearted humor and a dose of family dynamics.
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The Lincoln Lawyer series will be written and executive produced by David E. Kelly (Big Little Lies, Mr. Mercedes), and Ted Humphrey, who also serves as the showrunner. Connelly and Ross Fineman are also set as executive producers. This project also marks Garcia-Rulfo’s second collaboration with Kelly and Fineman following his recurring role in Amazon Prime’s Goliath.
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Brilliant Consulting)
