Inside the Criminal Mind of Michael Connelly: A Conversation About ‘Bosch: Legacy’ and ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’

Michael Connelly has carved out a distinctive space in the world of crime fiction. With his bestselling novels featuring iconic characters like Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, Connelly’s work has captivated readers worldwide. Now, as two of his most popular books come to life on TV screens—Bosch: Legacy on Amazon and The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix—he’s taking a hands-on approach to ensure these adaptations remain true to the spirit of his creations. In an insightful interview with AARP, Connelly shared his experiences working on these TV shows, offering a deeper look into his creative process and the evolution of his characters in the world of television.

A New Era of Adaptations

Connelly has long been a respected name in the world of crime fiction. His novels are known for their gritty realism, intricate plots, and deep moral questions, and he has seen his characters come to life in film and television over the years. However, his experience with the film adaptations of his work has been somewhat distant. “I had really nothing to do with the two films [2011’s The Lincoln Lawyer, starring Matthew McConaughey, and 2002’s Blood Work, with Clint Eastwood],” Connelly confessed. “They kind of tap you on the head and say, ‘Run along, we’ll take care of this.’” This distance from the creative process left him feeling more like an outsider, as the films didn’t involve him in the decision-making or creative development.

However, things changed when the opportunity arose to adapt The Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch into TV series. “Amazon and Netflix said, ‘We want to do this and we want you with us. We want you every step of the way, as involved as you can be,’” Connelly explained. This was a new experience for the author, one that gave him a more active role in shaping how his stories were brought to the screen. Unlike the films, where he had little input, the TV adaptations allowed Connelly to collaborate closely with the production teams, ensuring his vision was preserved while still allowing the medium to evolve.

The The Lincoln Lawyer Transformation

Netflix’s adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer represents a significant departure from the 2011 film version of the story. In the original movie, Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of Mickey Haller was widely praised, but Connelly points out that McConaughey’s performance didn’t fully align with the character as he envisioned him. “Matthew McConaughey, he’s iconic, but the Texas drawl and all that kind of stuff is not really from the book,” Connelly said. “It was a great performance. I really appreciated it.”

But Connelly’s collaboration with Netflix brought a refreshing change. Netflix, he explains, was determined to be more loyal to the character as he was written in the books. In the novels, Mickey Haller is a Mexican American lawyer whose mother is from Mexico, while his father is a Beverly Hills lawyer. For Connelly, this was an important part of the character’s identity, and he felt that the earlier film adaptation didn’t fully embrace this background. “One of the very first things Netflix said to me was, ‘We’re going to find a Mexican American actor like the guy in the books,’” Connelly recalled.

This commitment to authenticity was something Connelly appreciated. He felt it was vital for the adaptation to reflect the diversity of Haller’s character and the way his background shapes his outlook on life and his work. The series found its new Mickey Haller in actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, whose portrayal of the character stays true to the book’s depiction of a mixed-heritage man navigating the complexities of the legal world while grappling with personal and professional challenges. For Connelly, this was a significant milestone, marking the first time that a television adaptation of his work was willing to go the extra mile to stay true to his characters and their backgrounds.

Bosch: Legacy—Harry Bosch’s Ongoing Journey

Bosch: Legacy continues the story of Harry Bosch, Connelly’s beloved Los Angeles detective, who was first introduced in his 1992 debut novel, The Black Echo. The series, which premiered on Amazon, follows Bosch as he navigates life as a retired detective working as a private investigator. Connelly has been deeply involved in the series, working alongside the production team to ensure that the character’s journey remains consistent with what he’s written in the books. The show’s success reflects the enduring appeal of Bosch and his unwavering pursuit of justice, even when it means standing alone against the system.

One of the key aspects that sets Bosch: Legacy apart from other crime dramas is its focus on the complexities of Bosch’s character. In the books, Bosch is portrayed as a man driven by an uncompromising sense of justice, often putting his personal life on hold to solve cases. This moral rigidity makes him both a fascinating and flawed character, and Connelly has worked hard to ensure that this complexity comes across in the show.

The show’s strong reception proves that Bosch’s evolution from page to screen was successful, with audiences praising the series for staying true to the spirit of the books while also expanding the storylines to fit the television format. Connelly’s involvement in the show has allowed him to ensure that the essence of his protagonist remains intact, while also allowing for the growth of secondary characters, like Bosch’s daughter, Maddie, who is growing into a pivotal figure in the story.

Connelly’s Vision for His Characters

Connelly’s approach to writing and adapting his characters is rooted in his belief in authenticity. For him, it’s important to stay true to his characters’ backgrounds and motivations while also making sure that they evolve in ways that resonate with modern audiences. This is why, when Netflix approached him about The Lincoln Lawyer, he felt that his vision for Mickey Haller’s background had to be honored. In the same vein, the Bosch series emphasizes Harry Bosch’s deep connection to Los Angeles and his commitment to justice, themes that Connelly believes are essential to the character’s identity.

“I think the best thing I’ve done as a writer is create these characters, and what’s amazing is to see them grow and evolve,” Connelly said. His involvement in both shows reflects his commitment to maintaining the integrity of his characters while also allowing them to exist in the world of television, a space that requires adaptation and, at times, reinvention.

A Legacy of Crime Fiction on Screen

As Bosch: Legacy and The Lincoln Lawyer continue to captivate viewers, Michael Connelly’s legacy as a writer and creator of gripping crime dramas is only growing. His involvement in these TV adaptations shows just how important it is for writers to stay connected to their work, even as it transforms into a different medium. With these series continuing to evolve and captivate audiences, Connelly’s characters will no doubt remain a fixture of popular culture for years to come.