Showtime is shipping off its buzzy limited seriesRipleyto Netflix in a sudden deal between the two outfits according toDeadline. StarringAndrew Scottin the lead role of Tom Ripley, the show is based onPatricia Highsmith’s beloved series of novels based on the character and is being adapted byThe Night Of’sSteve Zaillian. The deal has yet to be finalized, though sources say the move materialized rather quickly over the past few days after Netflix engaged Showtime about taking on the show.
Ripleyspans eight episodes and primarily tells the same story asThe Talented Mr. Ripleynovel. Centered on Tom as he grifts his way by in 1960s New York, the series sees a wealthy man request his services to help with his vagabond son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn). Greenleaf is living the trust fund baby expat lifestyle in Italy, but his father wants him to finally return home. With his acceptance of the job, Tom takes his first step down a convoluted path of deceit, fraud, and even murder.Dakota Fanningalso stars in the series Marge Sherwood, an American living in Italy who has suspicions about the darker intentions behind Tom’s affability. Although packaged as a limited series, Showtime had left room for additional seasons if it was a success.
SellingRipleyis just the latest in Showtime’s strategic shift. Sinceannouncing it would rebrandas Paramount+ with Showtime and bring its wealth of content aboard Paramount+, the network has undergone a change in its content strategy. Reportedly, the sale ofRipleyonly moved forward once it was clear that Showtime was more interested in building TV universes post-merger as indicated by theBillionsandDexterspinoffs announced earlier this week. The cuts since integrating with the streamer have been plentiful asLet the Right One In,American Gigolo, andThree Womenwith only the latterfinding a new home with Starzto this point.
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Netflix and Other Streamers Coveted Showtime’sRipley
For potential suitors,Ripleywas a buzzy title, drawing fairly widespread interest across the industry. Netflix swooped in early to check in with Showtime as soon as there was an inkling that a sale was possible. Thanks to the popularity of the stature of the Tom Ripley novels, it was practically guaranteed to be a hot package once Showtime shopped it.
The series is currently early in post-production with likely several months left until release. Zaillian wrote and directed the first season of the series which was co-produced by Showtime and Endemol Shine North America in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights. He also serves as an executive producer alongsideGarrett Basch,Guymon Casady,Ben Forkner,Sharon Levy, andPhilipp Keelof Diogenes. In addition to leading the cast, Scott also produces.
Ripleyis still eyeing a late 2023/early 2024 release on Netflix. In the meantime, check out the trailer for the 1999 adaptation ofThe Talented Mr. Ripleybelow.
