Netflix shares first look of Andrew Scott and Dakota Johnson in 'Ripley'

Netflix has provided a first look at its upcoming thriller series Ripley, created by Steven Zaillian and starring Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning. 

The new series takes on the 1955 story The Talented Mr. Ripley, written by Patricia Highsmith. The novel was previously awarded a film adaptation in 1999, directed by Anthony Minghella and starring Matt Damon as the titular role. 

Now, Andrew Scott is set to take on the role of the con artist. The Irish actor has previously proven his ability to take on darker characters, giving life to the role of James Moriarty in BBC’s Sherlock. A first look at his performance as Ripley, provided by Netflix, shows a brooding Scott in black and white, sitting in the back of a car with a menacing look on his face. 

Johnny Flynn and Dakota Fanning will take on supporting roles as Dickie Greenleaf and Marge Sherwood respectively. The roles were previously played by Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1999 film adaptation.

Steven Zaillian takes on the task of writing, directing and producing the series. The multi-talented filmmaker is widely known for his writing work on critically acclaimed films such as Schindler’s List, The Irishman, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

To accompany the first look at the new series, Scott shared a glimpse at his take on the character in a conversation with Vanity Fair. “I feel like you’re required to love and advocate for your characters,” he stated, “and your job is to go, Why? What’s that? You don’t play the opinions, the previous attitudes that people might have about Tom Ripley.”

“You have to throw all those out,” he continued, “try not to listen to them, and go, Okay, well, I have to have the courage to create our own version and my own understanding of the character.” 

Netflix is yet to confirm an official release date for Ripley.