We fell in love with Andrew Scott and began to feel very weird about attending mass on Sundays thanks to his role as Hot Priest on the Emmy-winning series
Fleabag, and now Scott is returning to the small screen as a con artist in
Ripley. Yeah, we see that. We would hand over our social insurance number and sign up for a pyramid scheme if Scott asked us.Showtime’s new series
Ripley is based on Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling five-book series on Tom Ripley, which was also the basis for the 1999 Oscar-nominated film
The Talented Mr. Ripley, which starred Matt Damon in the title role alongside Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett. The books, film and upcoming TV show focus on young and lonely Ripley, whose life is changed when he’s hired by a wealthy man to travel from New York to Italy to convince the man’s son to return home. This trip puts into motion Ripley’s new life and identity, launching himself into the world of murder and deceit.Scott was an easy choice for bringing to life a character that on paper the audience should loathe, but on screen can’t help to root for throughout his downward spiral. Showtime’s network entertainment president
Gary Levine released a statement about Scott’s casting, saying “With Andrew Scott, whose charisma knows no bounds, inhabiting the iconic lead role, we feel confident that this will be a special one.”Oscar-winner Steven Zaillian, who wrote
Schindler’s List, Gangs of New York, and the upcoming Martin Scorsese historical film
The Irishman, is set to both write and direct all eight episodes of
Ripley. “We are so thrilled to have the supremely talented filmmaker, Steve Zaillian, adapt the singular saga of Tom Ripley from Patricia Highsmith’s novels as an ongoing series for Showtime,” added Levine, who was also probably very thrilled to see
Fleabag win Outstanding Comedy Series at Sunday’s Emmy Awards, with creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge giving fan favourite Andrew Scott a special shout-out on stage. “Season 2 would not have happened or exploded the way it did without Andrew Scott, who came into our
Fleabag world like a whirlwind and gave a performance of such depth and complexity that it just elevated the whole thing for all of us,” said Waller-Bridge, with the entire audience automatically kneeling out of reflex at the sight of Scott.
A BAFTA winner for his role as Moriarty in
Sherlock (mental note – watch
Sherlock) and a recipient of the British Film Award for
Pride, Scott, who is also appearing in the upcoming HBO series
His Dark Materials, became a breakout star his year thanks to his funny, endearing, and very sexy role as Hot Priest. This is a love story…and we are all in love with Andrew Scott.
