The Netflix limited series Ripley revolves around a cat named King, who plays a key role in the show. Directed by Steve Zaillian, the series is a black and white adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, set in the 1960s. Andrew Scott stars as Tom Ripley, a grifter who gets hired by a wealthy businessman to bring back his son from Italy, leading to a sinister plot to steal the son’s identity. Dakota Fanning also stars in the series as a suspicious character named Marge Sherwood.
The cat, named King, plays the character Lucio in Ripley and appears in the show’s ominous prologue scene. According to Zaillian, the presence of the cat in the series was essential to the story. The cat is portrayed as a silent witness to Ripley’s crimes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative. Zaillian revealed that finding the right cat to play Lucio was a challenge, as the cat needed to be relaxed and comfortable around people and cameras.
All eight episodes of Ripley are currently available for streaming on Netflix. The series debuted at number 7 on the Top 10 Global TV Shows list for the week of April 1-7, with 2.3 million views translating to 16.9 million viewing hours. This adaptation is not the first time The Talented Mr. Ripley has been brought to the screen, as a 1999 film with the same name starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow was also made. The film earned five Oscar nominations, including one for Best Adapted Screenplay for Anthony Minghella and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Jude Law.
The use of the cat in Ripley adds a unique and intriguing element to the storytelling, as it serves as a silent observer to Tom Ripley’s immoral deeds. King’s portrayal as Lucio in the series highlights the importance of animals in storytelling and their ability to enhance the overall narrative. Despite the challenges of finding the right cat for the role, Zaillian’s vision of using the animal as a key component of the story came to fruition, resulting in a captivating and suspenseful series that has garnered significant attention on Netflix.
The success of Ripley on Netflix is attributed to the gripping storyline, strong performances from the cast, and the inclusion of the cat character, which adds a mysterious and unsettling dynamic to the narrative. As viewers continue to discover and enjoy the series, the presence of the cat in Ripley will likely be remembered as a memorable and impactful aspect of the show’s storytelling. With its unique blend of suspense, drama, and mystery, Ripley stands out as a must-watch series for fans of psychological thrillers and captivating storytelling.
