Eddie Redmayne is set to take on a new and thrilling role in The Day of the Jackal, an upcoming series that reimagines the classic 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth. Scheduled to release on Peacock and Sky, this contemporary take on a timeless story brings a fresh perspective to the globe-trotting espionage thriller. Here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated series so far.
The Cast of The Day of the Jackal
The star of The Day of the Jackal is Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, known for his roles in The Theory of Everything and The Good Nurse. In this series, he steps into the shoes of The Jackal, a lone assassin known for his precision and ability to remain unseen. Redmayne’s portrayal promises to be one of his most intense performances yet as he delves deep into the psyche of this elusive character.
Joining him is Lashana Lynch as Bianca, a determined British intelligence officer tasked with tracking down the Jackal. Lynch, recognized for her roles in No Time To Die and Captain Marvel, is set to deliver a powerful performance opposite Redmayne, bringing both action and depth to the series.
The supporting cast features a stellar lineup, including:
Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist) as Nuria, a key figure in the Jackal’s personal life, unaware of his true identity.
Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) as Timothy Winthrop.
Richard Dormer (Fortitude) as Norman.
Chukwudi Iwuji (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) as Osita Halcrow.
Khalid Abdalla, Lia Williams, Eleanor Matsuura, Jonjo O’Neill, and Sule Rimi also contribute to the series, ensuring a rich and diverse cast.
Release Date and Episode Schedule
Originally set to debut on November 7, 2024, The Day of the Jackal will now release on November 14, 2024. The 10-part series will premiere on Peacock in the U.S. and Sky Atlantic and NOW in multiple European countries, including the UK, Germany, and Italy.
The show will follow a unique release schedule, with the first five episodes dropping simultaneously on November 14, followed by weekly releases leading to a double-episode finale. Here’s the full release schedule:
Episodes 1-5: November 14
Episode 6: November 21
Episode 7: November 29
Episode 8: December 5
Episodes 9-10: December 12
Trailer: A Glimpse of the Action
Two trailers have already been released, giving fans a thrilling sneak peek into the world of The Day of the Jackal. The official trailer shows Eddie Redmayne’s Jackal in action, donning various disguises as he prepares for his next kill. Lashana Lynch’s character Bianca is seen hot on his trail, leading to a tense game of cat-and-mouse across Europe.
Fans of the original 1973 movie, which starred Edward Fox as the Jackal, will notice some key differences in tone and style. While staying true to the essence of Forsyth’s story, this modern series incorporates a more dynamic, high-octane narrative that reflects contemporary geopolitics.
While the plot details remain closely guarded, we know that the series will dig deeper into the character of The Jackal than ever before. Unlike the 1973 movie, this series will explore the inner workings of the assassin’s mind, adding layers of complexity to his character.
Set against a modern-day political backdrop, The Day of the Jackal will be an intense, fast-paced thriller, showcasing the Jackal’s chameleon-like ability to slip into different roles and identities. The series promises to be a global chase, with scenes shot across Europe and plenty of action-packed moments that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Eddie Redmayne underwent a major transformation for The Day of the Jackal
Eddie Redmayne is no stranger to intense roles, but his portrayal of an assassin in The Day of the Jackal may be one of his most intricate performances yet. In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning actor shared his insights into the character, the process of transformation, and the challenges that came with playing the elusive Jackal in this new series, according to EW.
Speaking about the complex layers of the Jackal, a master of disguise and precision, Redmayne noted, “I don’t want to give anything away, but that you can perhaps con an audience into believing that you are from a different country and a different generation… was such a beautiful conceit in the script.” His character is a skilled sniper with a mysterious past, and the show’s narrative revolves around his attempt to pull off a high-profile assassination while evading British intelligence across Europe.
One of the defining elements of the series is the Jackal’s use of elaborate disguises. Redmayne revealed that some of the transformations are so convincing that viewers might not recognize him at first glance. “The most important moment is bringing everyone together to make sure those things cohere,” he explained, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between the movement coach, prosthetics team, costume designers, and dialect coaches in nailing down the character’s many personas.
The actor reunited with his Theory of Everything movement coach, Alexandra Reynolds, and Gladiator II military advisor Paul Bidiss to prepare for the role, combining physicality, language, and intricate prosthetic work to create the Jackal’s many disguises. Redmayne explained,
“I’d spent months trying to be really specific with the German language, but of course the second you are dressed in this prosthetic that completely transforms your age… it was where you have to place the voice.”
The Day of the Jackal is adapted by Ronan Bennett, the creator of Top Boy, ensuring a strong narrative with well-developed characters. Directing duties are led by Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones, Luther), who brings his expertise to crafting dark and thrilling television. The series is produced by Carnival Films, with Redmayne himself serving as an Executive Producer alongside Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant, and Sam Hoyle.
The series aims to remain faithful to the original novel’s DNA while giving it a modern twist, blending classic espionage elements with contemporary storytelling techniques.
