Showtime has filled the title role of Ripley, a new series based off Patricia Highsmith’s novel series of sociopath Tom Ripley. Andrew Scott (Sherlock) will take on the role in the series from Oscar-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List).
“We are so thrilled to have the supremely talented filmmaker, Steve Zaillian, adapt the singular saga of Tom Riley from Patricia Highsmith’s novels as an ongoing series for Showtime,” said Gary Levine, President of Entertainment Showtime Networks. “With Andrew Scott, whose charisma knows no bounds, inhabiting the iconic lead role, we feel confident that this will be a special one.”
Ripley‘s first season will run for eight episodes. Zaillian will draw upon all five of Highsmith’s novels – The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ripley Under Ground, Ripley’s Game, The Boy Who Followed Ripley and Ripley Under Water – to explore the character’s progression from con artist to serial killer.
Scott is best known for his role in Sherlock as Jim Moriarty, the detective’s greatest nemesis in the modern day twist of the Sherlock Holmes mythology. He most recently starred in the latest season of Black Mirror and Fleabag and will be next seen in HBO’s series adaptation of His Dark Materials.
Highsmith’s novels have been adapted for the big screen on numerous occasions, with actors such as Matt Damon, John Malkovich, Dennis Hopper and Barry Pepper all taking on the role of Tom Ripley in various projects.
