History of Runaway Jury in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

Runaway Jury follows a high-stakes trial where a widow sues a gun manufacturer after her husband's death. Wendell Rohr, representing the plaintiff, clashes with Rankin Fitch, a jury consultant who uses unethical tactics to manipulate the jury in favor of the defense. Nicholas Easter, a juror, and Marlee, his girlfriend, appear to be manipulating the jury themselves, offering to deliver a verdict to the highest bidder. As the trial progresses, Rohr and Fitch become increasingly desperate, with Fitch resorting to intimidation and even murder. Ultimately, Easter and Marlee expose Fitch's tactics and deliver a verdict against the gun manufacturer, revealing their motivation to dismantle the corrupt jury system.

August 1996: Film Rights Purchased

In August 1996, the rights to adapt John Grisham's novel "The Runaway Jury" were purchased by Arnon Milchan and Warner Bros. for $8 million. There were considerations to cast Edward Norton and Will Smith.

The Runaway Jury: A Novel

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1996: Publication of The Runaway Jury

In 1996, John Grisham's novel, The Runaway Jury, was published. The story revolves around a lawyer and a jury consultant battling for control of a jury in a trial against a gun manufacturer.

The Runaway Jury: A Novel

Check it on Amazon

1999: Studio Decision Regarding Film Adaptation

Following the release of "The Insider" in 1999, the studio decided to change the focus of the film adaptation of "The Runaway Jury". Instead of focusing on big tobacco, the plot was altered to have the plaintiff sue a gun company.

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October 17, 2003: Runaway Jury Film Release

On October 17, 2003, the film Runaway Jury was released in theaters. It is noted as one of Gene Hackman's last film roles.

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2003: Runaway Jury Film Release

In 2003, Runaway Jury, an American legal thriller film directed by Gary Fleder, was released, starring John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, and Rachel Weisz.

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