Richard Rankin has been cast in the lead role in the new on-screen adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels.
The Scots actor, who is best known for his role as Roger Wakefield in Outlander, will play John Rebus in the series adapted by Viaplay. The six-part series, which will reportedly be a "fresh and thrilling offering in the high-end crime genre", is due to start filming in Scotland soon, and is expected to hit streaming services next year.
The new series comes after Sir Ian's Rebus novels were adapted by ITV from 2000-2007. The titular role in the original series was played by John Hannah, before being replaced by Ken Stott after season two. The Glasgow-born actor will follow in the footsteps of actors including Hannah, Stott, Brian Cox, Ron Donachie and Charles Lawson.
The Outlander actor said: "I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Rebus. I’m a big fan of the series and Sir Ian Rankin. I feel very lucky to be given the honour of bringing such an iconic Scottish character back to TV screens and will give all I have to do it justice."
The official synopsis for the new series reads: "The compelling new story follows 40-year-old police detective John Rebus (Richard Rankin), who finds himself at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an infamous Edinburgh gangster.
"At odds with a job increasingly driven by corporate technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer.
"In a world of divisive politics and national discord, does the law still have meaning, or is everyone reverting to an older set of rules? And if so, why shouldn’t Rebus do so too?"
Sir Ian Rankin, who has written 24 Rebus novels, added: "Rebus has been a big part of my life for a long time now and to work with Gregory Burke to create a new story that sees him navigate life as a younger man in a contemporary (and ever-changing) Scotland has been a truly fascinating process.
"I’m very much looking forward to watching Richard bring the character to life – he’s the perfect fit for the role, and not just because we coincidentally share the same surname!"
Outlander series 1-6 are available to stream on LIONSGATE+ in the UK.
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