Mark Wahlberg knows a thing or two about making hit movies, something author John Grisham could use a refresher course in.
Variety reports that the "Contraband" star is in talks to produce and give a much-needed facelift to the big screen adaptations of Grisham's work with a possible role as star and producer of the prolific author's 1997 novel "The Partner."
The legal thriller tells the story of Patrick Lanigan, a cuckolded Mississippi lawyer who fakes his own death in order to steal millions from his own firm.
While Grisham had a number of his bestselling novels made into box office hits in the '90s, including "The Pelican Brief," "A Time to Kill" and "The Rainmaker," the more recent adaptations of his work have been flops. 2003's "Runaway Jury" was a critical hit, despite making meager profits at the box office, while the most recent movie based on his writing, 2004's "Christmas With the Kranks," was panned by critics.
Wahlberg may be able to give the fledgling franchise just the boost it needs, especially with the right help. It's rumored that the star may be bringing along his partner, Stephen Levinson, to produce, although the film still lacks a screenwriter. John Lee Hancock, who adapted Michael Lewis' "The Blind Side," was initially attached to write and direct, but has since dropped out.
Wahlberg can be seen next in Seth MacFarlane's comedy "Ted," scheduled for release this summer. For now, he's just thirsty (check out the gallery below and see what we mean).
