What’s old is new again, yet again. As we’ve seen a million times before over the last decade, Hollywood continues to be in the business of producing content based on previously released material, just in a new package. But every now and then, the project seems too good to pass up. That’s exactly the case with the new TV series that is reportedly in development that would see Oscar-winning screenwriter Steve Zaillian tackle the ‘Talented Mr. Ripley’ novel series.
According to Deadline, networks and streaming services are currently in a bidding war over who will get the TV deal for Zaillian’s latest project. The report says the writer will not only pen the scripts for the first season of the series, but will also step behind the camera and direct, as well. The series will tackle the five novels in the series of books from author Patricia Highsmith, which include “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Ripley Under Ground,” “Ripley’s Game,” “The Boy Who Followed Ripley,” and “Ripley Underwater.”
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Zaillian is probably best known as the four-time Oscar nominee responsible for films like “Moneyball,” “Awakenings,” “Gangs of New York,” and of course, “Schindler’s List,” for which he won his only Academy Award. Most recently, he was the man behind the Emmy-winning series “The Night Of.”
The series of novels from Highsmith focus on the character of Tom Ripley, who was most famously portrayed by Matt Damon in the film “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” The character is known for being a con artist and sociopath that is willing to go to any lengths to do what he deems necessary.
As mentioned, the series has yet to find a home, but with Zaillian behind the project and the famous novels as inspiration, it won’t be difficult to find a network or streaming service that is willing to give the series a guaranteed first season.