The Alluring Cast of Ripley on Netflix: Everything You Need To Know
The wait is over! Netflix’s new series “Ripley” brings the iconic character Tom Ripley to life. This limited series will dive into the world of Patricia Highsmith’s suspenseful novels, starting with the chilling story of “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
The show takes us to 1960s New York, where Tom Ripley (played by Andrew Scott) gets an offer that changes everything. He’s sent to Europe to bring back the son of a wealthy businessman. But things aren’t as simple as they seem. Tom gets caught up in a glamorous new life in Italy, but fans of the story know Tom Ripley is hiding a dark secret.
Here’s all you need to know about the key players in Ripley.
Cast of Ripley on Netflix
Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood:
Marge Sherwood, played by Dakota Fanning, is an American writer residing on the Amalfi Coast. She shares a casual romantic connection with Dickie Greenleaf, but her life takes a turn when Tom Ripley enters the scene. Unlike others around him, Marge becomes increasingly suspicious of Tom’s presence and motives.
Fanning herself describes the role as a “cat and mouse relationship” between Marge and Tom, hinting that she might be the one to unravel his web of lies.
Fanning’s career began at a young age, captivating audiences in films like “I Am Sam,” “Man on Fire,” “The Cat in the Hat,” and “War of the Worlds.” However, her talent has continued to shine throughout adulthood.
Fanning’s filmography boasts diverse roles in “The Runaways,” “Twilight Saga,” “Night Moves,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” and the upcoming “The Equalizer 3.” She has also transitioned seamlessly to television with acclaimed performances in “The Alienist” and “The First Lady.”
Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley:
Andrew Scott portrays the titular character, Tom Ripley, a con artist navigating the gritty streets of New York City in the early 1960s. Ripley’s life takes a dark turn when he’s hired by a wealthy businessman to travel to Italy and convince the man’s son, Dickie Greenleaf, to return to the U.S. Scott’s range and intensity bring Ripley’s many personas to life, making him a compelling and complex figure in the series.
Notable works: BBC’s “Sherlock,” the second season of “Fleabag,” and the James Bond film “Spectre.”
Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf:
Dickie Greenleaf is kind of a rich playboy living a carefree life in Italy. He comes from a wealthy American shipping family and likes to spend his time painting. When Tom shows up to convince Dickie to go back to New York, they actually become friends. But will Dickie eventually figure out that Tom isn’t as innocent as he seems?
Johnny Flynn, the actor who plays Dickie, has been in a bunch of movies and shows you might recognize. He was in a Netflix series called “Lovesick,” a BBC miniseries based on “Les Misérables,” and movies like “Emma,” “Stardust” (where he played David Bowie!), and “The Dig.”
Eliot Sumner as Freddie Mills:
Dickie also has a friend named Freddie Miles in his circle. Freddie doesn’t trust Tom from the start and seems suspicious of him.
The actor who plays Freddie, Eliot Sumner, is actually the child of the famous singer Sting! While they’re mostly known for their music career, Eliot has started acting too. This is one of their biggest roles, but they’ve also been in movies like “Stardust” and “The Gentlemen.” The director liked that Eliot played Freddie as quieter and mysterious, instead of the loud and annoying character from the book. This way, Freddie seems like a bigger threat to Tom.
Maurizio Lombardi as Inspector Ravini:
Maurizio Lombardi plays the role of the Italian police inspector chasing after Tom Ripley. He’s an Italian actor who might be familiar to some viewers from shows like Riviera, The Young Pope, and The Name of the Rose.
Kenneth Lonergan as Mr. Greenleaf:
Herbert Greenleaf is the rich guy who hires Tom Ripley in this series. He owns a successful shipbuilding company and wants Tom to travel to Italy. There, Tom’s job is to convince Dickie Greenleaf, Herbert’s son, to return home to New York.
The actor who plays Herbert, Kenneth Lonergan, is a writer and director behind the scenes in Hollywood more than an actor himself. He’s written movies like “Gangs of New York” and directed award-winning films like “Manchester by the Sea.” The director of “Ripley” said he liked how Kenneth seemed down-to-earth in the movies he’d acted in, which fit the character of Herbert.
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Margherita as Signora Buffi
The show also features Margherita Buy as Signora Buffi, Tom Ripley’s landlady in Rome. Buy is a respected Italian actress known for her work in films like “The Station,” “Days and Clouds,” and “A Five Star Life.”
Vittorio Viviani as Matteo
Vittorio Viviani brings Matteo, the friendly shopkeeper and postmaster of Atrani, to life on screen. But Viviani’s talents extend far beyond this charming role.
This veteran Italian actor has graced audiences with a diverse filmography. You might recognize him from his prominent roles in the historical drama “Elisa di Rivombrosa,” the passionate love story “Cronaca di una passione,” or the lighthearted comedy “Mille bolle blu.”
Louis Hofmann as Max Yoder
He is a wealthy close friend of Freddie Miles who attempts to get in touch with Dickie Greenleaf in Rome. A German actor, Hofmann is best known for roles in the German film Tom Sawyer, the Danish film Land of Mine, and the German Netflix series Dark.
Bokeem Woodbine as Alvin McCarron
Bokeem Woodbine plays Alvin McCarron, the sharp private investigator hired by Herbert Greenleaf. But Woodbine is a force to be reckoned with on-screen, extending far beyond this intriguing detective role.
This accomplished American actor boasts a diverse and impressive resume. You might remember him from his powerful performances in the coming-of-age drama “Jason’s Lyric,” the acclaimed anthology series “Fargo” (particularly his Emmy-nominated role in season 2), the historical drama “Underground,” the blockbuster “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” or his portrayal of the iconic saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman in the Oscar-winning biopic “Ray.”
Cristina Fondi as Aunt Dottie
The unloving aunt and guardian of Tom Ripley whom he still writes letters to. She is an Italian actress best known for Don Giovanni, Gli Angeli di Borsellino, and Raffaello.
John Malkovich as Reeves Minot
He is a mysterious American man in Europe who befriends Tom. The character first appears in the Ripley novels in the second volume, Ripley Under Ground. Malkovich is an American actor of incredible renown. He has won an Emmy and been nominated for two Oscars, a BAFTA, two SAG awards, and three Golden Globes.
Malkovich’s film roles include Places in the Heart, In the Line of Fire, The Killing Fields, Empire of the Sun, Dangerous Liaisons, Of Mice and Men, Con-Air, Rounders, Being John Malkovich, Shadow of the Vampire, Burn After Reading and Red.
Malkovich also portrayed Tom Ripley in a film adaptation of the third Ripley novel, Ripley’s Game.
Steven Zaillian noted to Netflix: “John had played Tom Ripley in a version of Ripley’s Game about 20 years ago. I thought it would be fun to see him in another role from that and other Ripley novels.” Actor Ray Winstone played Minot in that film.
Ann Cusack delivers a heartfelt performance as Emily Greenleaf, the ailing wife of Herbert and the mother longing for her son Dickie’s return. But Cusack’s career is a rich tapestry woven with diverse and memorable roles.
Ann Cusack as Emily Greenleaf
While you might recognize her from films like the sci-fi comedy Multiplicity, the heartwarming sports comedy A League of Their Own, or the corporate satire The Informant!, Cusack’s talents shine brightly on both the big and small screens. She has graced numerous television shows with her presence and captivated audiences with her performances.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Ripley |
| Streaming Service | Netflix |
| Feature Cast | Andrew Scott (Tom Ripley), Johnny Flynn (Dickie Greenleaf), Dakota Fanning (Marge Sherwood), Ann Cusack (Emily Greenleaf), Bokeem Woodbine (Alvin McCarron), Vittorio Viviani (Matteo) |
| Writer | Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” |
| Director | Steven Zaillian (all episodes) |
| Cost (estimated) | Unknown |
| Release Date | April 4, 2024 |
| Episode Number | 8 |
Ripley Netflix release date
April 4, 2024
Ripley Netflix Trailer
What is Ripley Netflix about?
Scott, at his most creepy and conniving, plays Tom Ripley, a low-rent con artist in New York in the 1960s who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when a rich shipping magnate employs him to convince the man’s wayward heir to come home and stop gallivanting across Italy.
Plot of Ripley:
“Ripley,” a Netflix psychological thriller, dives into Patricia Highsmith’s world of deceit and obsession. Tom Ripley, a down-on-his-luck hustler, is sent to Italy to retrieve Dickie Greenleaf, a wealthy playboy. Lured by Dickie’s charmed life and yearning for a piece of it, Tom descends into a web of manipulation and lies.
As he impersonates Dickie, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, culminating in a deadly twist. Private investigator Alvin McCarron enters the scene, adding another layer of suspense as he investigates Dickie’s disappearance. Throughout the eight-episode limited series, “Ripley” explores the dark recesses of Tom’s psyche, questioning identity, ambition, and the dangerous allure of unlived life.
“Ripley” offers a fresh take on Highsmith’s timeless tale, and the talented cast brings the intrigue and tension to life. Dive into this thrilling world on Netflix and discover the secrets beneath the surface.
