Crime-solving detective Rebus gets new lease of life
What do John Hannah, Ken Stott, Alexander Morton, Charles Lawson, Brian
Cox, John Michie and
Ron Donachie all have in common?
Crime fiction fans will definitely know the answer – they’ve all played Inspector John Rebus, on stage, screen or on radio.
Created by author Ian Rankin, the character first appeared in his novel Knots and Crosses in 1987, and quickly won the hearts of readers all over the world.
Now we’re about to add Richard Rankin to that list of actors, although he’s playing a version of Rebus we haven’t seen before. Rather than being the elder statesman of
Edinburgh’s police force, he’s a young whippersnapper, a detective sergeant who is about to be drawn into a violent criminal conflict that involves his brother Michael, a former soldier.
Rebus himself isn’t in a good place either. The sixpart series sees him reeling from an encounter with local villain Ger Cafferty, unsatisfied with his job, embroiled in a toxic affair and more or less supplanted in his daughter’s life by his exwife’s wealthy new husband.
“I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC,” says Ian Rankin, who’s given this new take on his character his wholehearted approval. “A great cast and a compelling story – I really can’t wait for viewers to see it.”
Richard Rankin (who is no relation to the writer) adds: “It’s been an honour taking on the role of Ian Rankin’s renowned John Rebus, a character enjoyed by so many, in such a fresh and original adaptation.”
If it proves to be a hit, then there’s plenty of scope for more cases. In the author’s books, Rebus has aged naturally, so Richard could be playing him for years to come.
“In my head he’s 65,” Ian once said of his creation.
“He should be 70, but I didn’t write about him for five years, so I’ve knocked those off.
“He’s changed, but is determined to stay a detective. Someone like him would have reapplied as a civilian to work on cold cases, so that’s what I wrote. People ask how you keep the series fresh, but each book is different, a standalone, with a character who’s changed with the world around him.”