Grisham's old 'Testament' coming to theaters

Everything old is new again today.

First, Cher returns to live-action movies for the first time since 1999. Now, John Grisham's 1999 legal thriller "The Testament" has been optioned by 821 Entertainment Group, according to Variety.

The novel follows alcoholic lawyer Nate O'Riley, who is sent (half willingly, considering the IRS is after him) to the Brazilian rainforest to find an immensely wealthy man's illegitimate daughter. Seems the benefactor liked the woman's missionary work more than his other heirs' spoiled lifestyles; problem is, she doesn't want the money.

Part of the delay, Variety says, is that Grisham wanted creative input on the project, something he now has. Also in development is "The Associate" (with no delays: It was just published last January) starring Shia LaBeouf as a young lawyer blackmailed into providing inside information on lawsuit against a military contractor.

Related:

Cher returns for Christina Aguilera's 'Burlesque'
Shia LaBeouf joins cast of 'The Associate'