Matt Damon has confessed to experiencing “trouble” watching Netflix’s latest adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, Ripley, featuring Andrew Scott in the lead role. The eight-part, film noir-inspired series was shot entirely in black and white and has garnered much critical acclaim, with Scott’s performance earning high praise from fans and reviewers alike. Damon played the titular con-man in the 1999 Oscar-nominated film version that was directed by the late Anthony Minghella and also starred Cate Blanchett, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jude Law, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
In a new interview with IndieWire, Damon has expressed doubts about a possible return to the role, saying that he associates Ripley so much with Minghella, who has since passed away, that he does not know if he could bring himself to reprise the character. Damon referred to the latest adaptation of the show, confessing that even watching it has been challenging because he has so many fond memories of his experience shooting the earlier version of the film. Nonetheless, earlier this year, Damon did express how much he loved Netflix’s new version of Ripley, praising it for its beautiful direction and impeccable acting.
The Netflix adaptation follows Scott’s character, Tom Ripley, as he takes a job assignment to go to Italy and persuade his employer’s son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), to return home from Europe. As the series progresses, Ripley works his way into the lives of Dickie and his girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning), and the story takes a dark turn.
All eight episodes of Ripley are now available to stream on Netflix. Scott has also joined the cast of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the upcoming second sequel to the wildly successful 2019 film. In contrast, Damon recently agreed that he does indeed look like fellow actor Jesse Plemons after years of comparisons.
In conclusion, although Damon expressed his admiration for Netflix’s adaptation of Ripley, he fears that he could not reprise his earlier role in any sequels, given his close association of the character with the late director Minghella. The Netflix adaptation has been highly acclaimed and follows Scott’s character as he manipulates his way into the lives of Dickie and Marge, but Damon found it tough to watch despite the high-quality production. Ripley is available now for streaming on Netflix
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