Netflix Acquires 'Ripley' TV Series Starring Andrew Scott From Showtime

A long-in-development television series based on Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley books has been acquired by Netflix after it was previously set up at Showtime. The new series, "Ripley," which has been in the works for more than three years, will now stream on Netflix, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Andrew Scott of "Sherlock" fame will star in the upcoming series as the titular Mr. Ripley.

Details on the deal that will move the new drama are still being finalized. The change comes shortly after it was announced that Showtime will be merging with Paramount+ across linear and streaming tiers. It will be redubbed as Paramount+ with Showtime. With the move, Showtime is now focusing on franchising its more popular shows, such as "Billions" and "Dexter."

Showtime had previously ordered the "Ripley" series in 2019. Oscar winner Steven Zaillian ("Schindler's List," "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "Mission: Impossible," "Moneyball") wrote and directed all eight episodes. Scott portrays a grifter named Tom Ripley, who is hired by a wealthy man to go to Italy to convince his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), to return home.

Ripley accepts the job and takes his early steps into a life of crime. The show also stars Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood, a woman who suspects Tom Ripley has darker intentions. Scott is likely best known to television viewers for his performance as Moriarty in the "Sherlock" television series. He also portrayed the sinister intelligence director, Max Denbigh, in the 2015 "James Bond" movie "Spectre."

Matt Damon previously portrayed Tom Ripley on the big screen in the 1999 film adaptation of Highsmith's novel, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," which also starred Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf and Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge. Anthony Minghella wrote and directed the picture. The film was a success, grossing $128 million worldwide off a $40 million budget. John Malkovich later portrayed the character in "Ripley's Game" released in 2022.

Alain Delon was the first actor to portray Tom Ripley in an adaptation of Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley Novel." It was released with the title "Purple Noon" in 1960. Dennis Hopper later portrayed the character in Wim Wenders' 1977 film, "The American Friend," which was also based on "Ripley's Game."

The show has already completed filming, and it's currently in postproduction. It was co-produced by Showtime with Endemol Shien North America, in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights. Zaillian also executive produces the show along with Garrett Basch, Guymon Casady, Ben Forkner, Sharon Levy, and Philipp Keel of Diogenes. Scott is also attached as a producer for the project.

Interestingly enough, while Netflix acquired this project from Showtime, Showtime has also picked the recently canceled Netflix sitcom, "Uncoupled," starring Neil Patrick Harris. THR's report indicates that Showtime is shifting its strategy to franchise-building similar to "Yellowstone" under current head Chris McCarthy, hence why "Ripley" was likely offloaded to Netflix. Another show that was reportedly offloaded was the drama "Three Women," starring Shailene Woodley, which has been moved from Showtime to Starz.

"Ripley" will stream on Netflix later on. The show does not yet have an official debut date.