Cast This: Highsmith's Ripley TV Series
Monday, March 28, 2016 at 12:00PM Manuel here. Patricia Highsmith is definitely back in vogue. We'll obviously credit Carol (based on her Price of Salt novel) but the ample filmography her books have begat should remind us that she's been the type of author whose works seem ready-made for the screen. While there's still no new word on whether that Gillian Flynn/David Fincher Strangers on a Train remake is still in the works, we now have another Highsmith property to get excited about.
Well, perhaps "new" is too strong a word. [More...]
After having optioned the famous Tom Ripley books from the Highsmith estate last year, Endemol Shine Studios, Entertainment 360 and Diogenes have signed on Luther creator Neil Cross to develop a television series centered on the troubled yet charming young man. The project is still in its infancy but that shouldn't stop us from bandying around some names for that dapper psychoapth. We could bemoan Hollywood's lack of originality but that seems futile. Besides, the idea of a serialized version of Ripley's story sounds appealing. It's a project that, like Hannibal and Bates Motel before it, will live and die on the strength of its casting.
In case you need a refresher the character has previously been played by: Alain Delon (Purple Noon), Dennis Hopper (The American Friend), Matt Damon (The Talented Mr. Ripley), John Malkovich (Ripley's Game) and Barry Pepper (Ripley Under Ground). We have to assume the show will take the Hannibal approach and start us off with the first novel—which means we may get another version of Dickie Greenleaf (iconically brought to the screen by one Mr. Jude Law in the 1999 Anthony Minghella film), and so in terms of casting we should be looking for a twenty-something actor for Ripley. Is Dane DeHaan too old already? He'd make a fascinating Ripley. Or maybe if we're looking at TV, we could recommend Glenn Powell (so good in Scream Queens and Everybody Wants Some!!) should he want to go against-type—he would be better as Dickie, actually—or Joey Pollari (who was so great in this past season of American Crime)?
I leave it to you, which young actor would you want to see slip into Ripley's shoes? (And can we come up with a list that somehow doesn't replicate Hollywood's shortlist for Han Solo or Spidey?)
Reader Comments (14)
The first names that spring into my head are Logan Lerman, Ben Schnetzer, Iain de Caestecker, and Sam Claflin. I suppose a good bit depends on exactly how old they want him to be. Nicholas Hoult could be fascinating in the role but I suppose he has many more lucrative offers.
I'd like to see who can replace that irreplaceable cast from 99 esp Paltrow and Blanchett
Yes Dane DeHaan. Maybe too old technically but he still rewards so young.
Dane DeHaan and Logan Lerman both seem viable to me. though maybe Lerman reads a little earnest for the deceptive nature of hte character? I dunno. the fact that my mind went mostly blank suggests that I need to start paying more attention to the young and rising male actors out there.
Something that occurred to me: could they cast non-white for this? The plot relies somewhat on passing and mistaken identity, which does complicate the overall casting, i.e. it's a decision that would likely impact multiple roles. And considering the themes of class aspiration I can see pros and cons to bringing race/ethnicity into the equation - could be complementary and enriching, or it could turn this into a different kind of story entirely.
And I don't think we can assume they'll feel the need to do this as a period piece, especially if they're trying to establish difference from the previous adaptations.
Emory Cohen or Evan Peters.
Ezra Miller might not seem like a good fit but I would love to see him clean up good. he is sexy as hell.
I've seen most of these, and read the series several times. Alain Delon and Barry Pepper are my favorites.
The thing is, Tom Ripley is not a troubled young man. To him, it's quite straightforward.
He sees these entitled rich kids with their bad manners and bad taste, and thinks, why them and not me? I would be a much better rich person. And it's true.
In his rich person life, Tom's wife (daughter of a kind of mafioso) likes him and appreciates the freedom he gives her. She enjoys their mutual pursuits of music, art, museums, galleries, books, and gardening. She is loyal and protective of Tom.
Tom pays his employees well, appreciates their work, doesn't overwork them, and they also are loyal and protective.
Tom adores his jewel box of a small but perfect centuries old French country house.
That's why I think Tom Ripley should be played by someone like Grant Guston (tv's The Flash). Tall, slender, engaging, cheerful, active, with an enthusiasm and appreciation for art and beauty.
When episodes of violence occur, they are quick, neat, and necessary. But this gives the viewer pause. What's underneath? Oh, that's why his business partners are wary of him. That's why his father-in-law recognizes Tom as a criminal like himself (they hate each other).
I don't get the buzz for Dane DeHaan. He's not handsome and the acting is mediocre. Same goes to Grant Gustin, although I like him on Glee.
The movie is so perfectly cast, I mean Damon, Law, Paltrow, Blanchett and Hoffman!
Kudos to the TV casting director if they can match that ensemble.
xavier dolan
FINN WITTROCK
DOMHNALL GLEESON
FREDDIE HIGHMORE
DOUGLAS BOOTH
Glen Powell is a good, unexpected suggestion for Dickie.
I agree with whoever said that it will be hard to live up to the ensemble of the movie which was spectacular. And to think all of those actors were very new at the time, setting the tone for a great new generation.
Alden Ehrenreich
awsome post.....!
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