Andrew Scott has delivered a stark response to fervent hopes for a continuation of his mesmerizing performance in the Netflix thriller,Ripley. Speaking at the SXSW film festival, the acclaimed Irish actor revealed the experience of embodying the notorious Tom Ripley was profoundly demanding.
The eight-episode series, a stunning adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novelThe Talented Mr. Ripley– previously immortalized in a five-time Oscar nominee – captivated audiences with its stark black-and-white aesthetic and psychological depth. Scott’s portrayal of the charming yet chilling con artist was central to this success.
Scott shared that venturing into long-form television presented unique challenges. He described the production, filmed amidst the global shutdown of the pandemic in Italy, as isolating, both for himself and for his character. The narrative’s intense focus on Ripley further amplified this sense of solitude.
He confessed that accessing the character of Tom Ripley, a cold-blooded manipulator so drastically different from his own nature, proved exceptionally difficult. The role demanded a level of immersion that pushed him creatively and emotionally.
When directly asked about the possibility of a second season, Scott offered a definitive answer: “No, that’s not going to happen now.” This pronouncement will undoubtedly disappoint the many viewers captivated by the series’ intricate plot and Scott’s masterful performance.
Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim – boasting an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.1/10 score on IMDb –Ripley’s initial viewership numbers were modest. The series garnered 2.3 million ‘complete viewing equivalents’ in its first four days, a lower figure than other limited series launches.
However,Ripleydemonstrated impressive staying power, accumulating nearly 17 million viewing hours in its first week and exceeding 18 million in its second. It remained within Netflix’s top ten English-language series for a full two weeks, suggesting a dedicated and growing audience.
Scott’s busy schedule likely contributes to the decision against a second season. He has recently completed filming on the thrillerA Place in Helland is currently starring in the Ian Charleson biopic,Elsinore, alongside Olivia Colman and Billie Piper, further solidifying his position as a highly sought-after actor.
