Manhunt launched for new Rebus

Published on Tuesday 27 April 2004 01:00

THE hunt is on for a new face to play Inspector Rebus in the latest television adaptation of Ian Rankin’s famous creation.

John Hannah, who originally played the maverick detective, has opted out of the role, but, revealed Rankin yesterday, despite rumours Rebus had been dropped from TV, a new production is in development.

"Stories were rife a few weeks back that ITV had ‘dropped’ it," the Edinburgh-based author said. "I’ve since learned that while John Hannah has no plans to revive his version of Rebus, TV is still interested. A new script has been delivered, and actors are being discussed with a view to filling John Hannah’s shoes."

Four Rebus books were adapted by Scottish TV in 2000 and 2001 - Black and Blue, Mortal Causes, Dead Souls and Hanging Garden - although only three were broadcast in Britain.

Made in conjunction with Hannah’s own production company, Clerkenwell Films, the series fared well in the ratings, with a feature-length film of Black and Blue pulling in nine million viewers when it aired in 2000.

Rankin, whose new book, Fleshmarket Close, will be published in the autumn, has previously said that the actor Brian Cox, from Dundee, would make an ideal Rebus.

Earlier this month, the author also said he would be happy for his creation to make his big-screen debut. But, in a letter to readers on his official website, Rankin made it clear that the immediate future for the detective is on the small screen.

And there is also a hint at a possible foreign adventure for Rebus: "A few overseas readers have asked if Rebus might venture out of Scotland.

"I have recently met a number of Scottish cops who have had to travel far afield - to question a suspect or execute an arrest warrant or deal with a missing person case - so if I ever run out of things to say about Scotland, be assured that Rebus will make one of those trips."

Rankin is also taking part in the BBC’s interactive series, End of Story, where viewers are asked to write the conclusion of half-finished tales by a number of well-known authors.