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Transformers hero swaps sci-fi for legal jungle

Paramount studios have enlisted Shia LaBeouf to play the lead in "The Associate", a film adaptation of a new legal thriller written by John Grisham.

The author is famous for having had numerous books adapted to screen, such as "The Firm" (starring Tom Cruise) and "The Pelican Affair" (with Julia Roberts).

His latest novel revolves around a young law graduate who is manipulated into joining a prestigious legal firm, where he receives privileged information on a multi-billion-dollar case. The book is entitled "The Broker", but don't rush out to buy it just yet ˆ it isn't due out until January.

Grisham's representative sent the manuscript to four film producers to be sure of securing a deal for the film adaptation rights. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura received the script while filming the "Transformers" sequel and hired Shia there and then.

Photo : Shia Labeouf - DR
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