Netflix is gearing up for its latest series, ‘Ripley,’ a suspenseful and dramatic show. Originally slated to begin production in 2020, the series experienced multiple delays over a span of three years due to the pandemic. Initially sold to Showtime, it was later acquired by Netflix post-pandemic.
The series is based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller novel ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley,’ which also has four sequels. The story has previously been adapted several times for the screen, including in ‘Purple Noon‘ (1960) starring Alain Delon, and another movie with the same name as the novel (1999) starring Matt Damon.
Netflix is gearing up for a blockbuster year in my opinion. Alongside this thrilling, there are a few more eye-catching titles to be released on the streaming giant. Then there are Avatar The Last Airbender, Arcane Season 2, and Dead Boy Detectives. You can read more about these titles in the top 5 features of Web Series and Fantasy Series.
Ripley Release Date & Origin
The Netflix series is set to premiere with eight episodes on Thursday, April 4, 2024, four years after it was originally slated for production. The series follows the success of ‘Saltburn,’ drawing inspiration from both the 1999 movie and Patricia Highsmith’s novel.
The “Ripley” series, written by Patricia Highsmith, consists of five psychological thrillers focusing on Tom Ripley, a charming, intelligent sociopath. The first book, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1955), introduces the crafty character as he manipulates his way into the lives of the wealthy, leading to deceit and murder.
Subsequent novels, “Ripley Under Ground” (1970), “Ripley’s Game” (1974), “The Boy Who Followed Ripley” (1980), and “Ripley Under Water” (1991), go deeper into the psychology of the character and the world. Various moral dilemmas are confronted throughout the novels making it a pioneer in dark human stories.
Cast, Characters & Plot
The series has an impressive cast, led by Andrew Scott, known for his role in ‘Fleabag,’ who plays the enigmatic Tom Ripley. The last adaptation of ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ on screen was in 1999, and it looks like Scott is set to reimagine the story for a new generation. His previous role as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ proves he’s the perfect fit to bring this character to life.
The series also stars Johnny Flynn (known from ‘The Lovers’) as Dickie Greenleaf and Dakota Fanning (‘The Alienist’) as Marge Sherwood. Additionally, the cast includes the actor-musician Eliot Sumner (seen in ‘No Time to Die’), son of Sting, who is breaking into the acting scene with this role. The casting has been well-documented for quite some time.
Set in the 1960s, the series follows the story of Tom Ripley, a young grifter who is sent to Italy to retrieve a rich and wayward young man, only to be drawn into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Here he navigates through a world full of danger and mystery to uncover the truth beyond the truth.
Book readers are familiar with the groundbreaking twists and turns it will have in its narrative. The trailer also shows Steven Zailian’s unique vision for the show as it’s done in black and white, playing into the noir-themed atmosphere of the book.
Adaptation & Direction
Directed by Steven Zaillian, known for “Schindler’s List” and “Gangs of New York,” the upcoming thriller is not just a direct adaptation of the novel but also an exploration of one of his favorites. This has been a passion project for him for a long while. But due to the pandemic, he had to constantly shift from one studio to another, finally ending up with Netflix.
Although the character and story of Thomas Ripley have been adapted before by prominent names like Matt Damon, this adaptation aims to be the first one done in the modern era. Netflix has this show slated for 8 hour-long episodes with Zaillian taking the reigns as writer, director and executive producer for all of them.
Ripley Anticipation & Potential Impact
The series has been generating significant buzz since 2020, with fans of Highsmith’s novels and new audiences eagerly anticipating its release. Under Steven Zaillian’s vision, this project promises to elevate the legendary book series by Highsmith to new heights. The black-and-white aesthetic of the show reflects the era the series will depict.
Andrew Scott, with his gritty expressions and depth in acting ability, is the perfect choice to bring the character of Ripley to the screen. The Netflix original is set to be a series that will not only satisfy your itch for sense-numbing thrills but also leave viewers pondering the darker aspects of human nature.
With the release date just around the corner, the excitement is palpable. The show is all set to captivate audiences with its mysteries and twists. To experience the story of Tom Ripley for the very first time, don’t forget to tune in on April 4th on Netflix. A mystery thriller is always a great binge-watch, so be sure to tune in.
