B777-200
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
Tower instructed 'after landing traffic line up Runway 27' while holding short of [the] runway. I acknowledged and we complied once the landing aircraft crossed our nose for a displaced threshold landing. Tower then instructed us to 'expedite' as we began moving. Once fully established on the runway; we continued to observe the preceding aircraft rolling out in a cloud of spray due to previous rain showers. This lasted for a longer than anticipated time considering the 'expedite' call. Finally cleared for takeoff with max power set and at approximately 20 knots; Tower instructed 'cancel takeoff clearance; hold position'. We complied. Tower then sent the aircraft on final around and asked if we were ready to continue our takeoff. We advised 'unable' and that we would need to clear the runway to run a checklist. They seemed surprised and inquired whether we'd need to return to the gate. I informed them we just needed to run a checklist and we'd advise when ready to continue. We completed the after landing checklist; reinserted takeoff data; reviewed the game plan; and completed the before takeoff checklist before rejoining the line. Once again; we were cleared to line up after landing traffic. However; this time we were cleared for takeoff while the preceding aircraft was clearly still on the runway with at least half its fuselage inside the runways edge. I asked Tower if that aircraft was indeed clear of the runway which confused Tower. I clarified that we were 'cleared for takeoff; continuing our takeoff roll' once we were in agreement within the cockpit that the preceding aircraft was finally clear. Extended time on the runway by preceding landing aircraft resulted in the landing clearance cancellation of aircraft on short final necessitating their go-around and immediate cancellation of our takeoff clearance  Out of our control. We responded appropriately; in my opinion; and I wouldn't do anything differently.
B777 First Officer reported having takeoff clearance canceled and other non-standard procedures by Tower after the preceding aircraft lingered on the runway during landing.