The Netflix limited series Ripley, based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, features a significant feline character named King, a Maine Coon cat who plays Lucio in the show. Set in the 1960s, the series follows the story of Tom Ripley, portrayed by Andrew Scott, a con artist hired to bring back a wealthy businessman's son, Dickie Greenleaf, played by Johnny Flynn, from Italy to the United States.
Ripley becomes enamored with Dickie's lifestyle and decides to steal his identity, leading to a series of nefarious events. Dakota Fanning also stars in the series as Marge Sherwood, a character suspicious of Ripley's actions.
The cat, King, plays a crucial role in the show, serving as a silent witness to Ripley's crimes. Director Steve Zaillian emphasized the importance of the cat in the series, highlighting the unique perspective it brings to the narrative.
In an interview, Zaillian revealed the challenges of casting the right cat for the role, noting that King had to be recast twice before landing the part. The cat's calm demeanor and comfort around people and cameras were essential qualities for the role.
Ripley debuted on Netflix and quickly gained popularity, ranking at No. 7 on the streamer's Top 10 Global TV Shows list. The series garnered 2.3 million views in its first week, totaling 16.9 million viewing hours.
Notably, The Talented Mr. Ripley was previously adapted into a 1999 film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. The film received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.
