Runaway Jury is a 2003 legal thriller about a civil case against a firearms manufacturer and the fight to influence the jury deciding it. Directed by Gary Fleder, the film adapts John Grisham’s 1996 novel but changes the lawsuit’s subject and setting: the book centers on tobacco litigation in Biloxi, while the movie moves the story to New Orleans and a gunmaker.
What is Runaway Jury about?
After a workplace shooting in New Orleans, a young widow brings a civil suit against the company that made the firearm. The case becomes a contest over the jury as much as the courtroom. Attorney Wendell Rohr represents the plaintiff, while jury consultant Rankin Fitch works to steer the case for the defense. Juror Nicholas Easter and Marlee say they can deliver a verdict, putting the ordinary jurors’ choices at the center of the struggle.
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The film’s tension comes from the possibility that a verdict can be shaped—or effectively stolen—through jury selection and influence. That premise also raises a broader question: how much power should ordinary people have in deciding a high-stakes case, and what happens when powerful interests try to control their decision?
Who is in the cast?
| Performer | Role |
|---|---|
| John Cusack | Nicholas Easter, a juror |
| Gene Hackman | Rankin Fitch, a jury consultant |
| Dustin Hoffman | Wendell Rohr, an attorney |
| Rachel Weisz | Marlee |
Gary Fleder directed the film. The Apple TV US listing classifies it as a crime drama, gives a runtime of 2 hours 7 minutes, and rates it PG-13. The American Film Institute lists its US release date as October 17, 2003.
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How does the film differ from John Grisham’s novel?
The film is based on Grisham’s 1996 novel The Runaway Jury, but it changes the case’s central issue and location.
| Element | Novel | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Defendant and case | A giant tobacco company faces a multimillion-dollar civil case, according to Grisham’s official novel page. | A firearms manufacturer faces a civil suit after a workplace shooting in New Orleans, according to the AFI synopsis. |
| Setting | Biloxi, as described in the contemporary Los Angeles Times review. | New Orleans, as described by the Apple TV US listing and the Los Angeles Times review. |
Both versions use jury investigation and manipulation as a source of conflict, but the movie is an adaptation rather than a scene-by-scene reproduction. The changed subject gives the film’s jury battle a firearms-industry context while retaining the central question of who gets to shape a jury’s verdict.
Rank #2
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Color; Dolby; Dubbed; DVD; Full Screen; Subtitled; NTSC
What is known about the DVD edition?
A widescreen DVD released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in 2004 is cataloged by the Riverside Public Library. Its catalog lists an approximately 127-minute duration, Region 1 playback, and English, French, and Spanish language options. Cataloged extras include Gary Fleder’s director commentary, deleted scenes, scene commentary, and featurettes. These details describe that cataloged edition, not every DVD listing; check the specific release and regional compatibility before buying or borrowing it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch it?
Streaming availability and prices are not established here, and they can differ by country and change over time. Check services available in your region for the current listing. For the source material, Grisham’s official book page provides a synopsis and retailer links.
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