Dakota Fanning (The Alienist) will star in the upcoming Showtime drama series Ripley, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. She will co-star opposite Andrew Scott (Fleabag). 

Showtime’s Ripley is based upon the well known Thomas Ripley novels written by Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train). Writing a total of five books within the series published from 1955-1991, the Thomas Ripley character has become a staple within American pop culture, appearing in countless films, television series, and radio programs. One of the most notable and critically acclaimed adaptations was the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley which starred Matt Damon (The Martian) in the titular role alongside Jude Law (Spy) and Gwyneth Paltrow (The Politician). 

Scott will now step into Ripley’s shoes in the upcoming showtime series as it centers on his origin story. A struggling grifter living in New York City during the 60s, Ripley is hired by a wealthy businessman to go track down his son in Italy. He accepts the job, kick starting his life of crime as a con artist. While in Italy he meets Marge Sherwood, an American portrayed by Fanning who begins to suspect he is not who he says he is. Johnny Flynn (Stardust) will also co-star as Dickie Greenleaf, the son Ripley is sent to track down.   

Amy Israel, the executive vice president of programming at Showtime, released a statement on Fanning’s casting which was picked up by The Hollywood Reporter: “Dakota Fanning is the perfect choice to play the deliciously complicated Marge opposite Andrew Scott’s Tom Ripley…She’s an actor that brings smarts and vulnerability to every part, with so much bubbling beneath the surface. We can’t wait to see her sink her teeth into this role in Steve Zallian’s Ripley.” 

Fanning is doubling down, as she was also recently cast as Susan Elizabeth Ford in the upcoming Showtime anthology series The First Lady. The only daughter and youngest child of Betty and President Gerald Ford, she will star opposite Michelle Pfeiffer (French Exit) as her mother and Aaron Eckhart (Wander) as her father. 

Ripley is created by Steven Zaillian (Schinder’s List). He will write and direct the entirety of the first season. Shooting will begin sometime later this year on location in Italy, with it expected to premiere in 2022. It’s executive produced  by Zaillian, Guymon Casady (Game of Thrones), Garrett Basch (The Night of), Ben Forkner (The Gallow Act II), Sharon Levy (Cops), Charlie Corwin (Half Nelson), and Philipp Keel (Deep Water).