Eddie Redmayne is getting his James Bond on for another literary adaptation of an iconic assassin tale.
The Academy Award winner leads the Peacock and Sky adaptation of “The Day of the Jackal,” based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel. The “contemporary reimagining” was announced as a series in November 2022.
Redmayne stars as lone assassin, the Jackal, who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) who is tracking down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, Chukwudi Iwuji, Lia Williams, Khalid Abdalla, Eleanor Matsuura, Jonjo O’Neill, Nick Blood, Sule Rimi, and Florisa Kamara co-star. The teaser debuted during the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on NBC and Peacock.
The original “The Day of the Jackal” novel centered on assassination attempts on French president Charles de Gaulle in 1963 amid the Algerian independence, with The Jackal hired by the far-right Organisation de L’Armée Secrète to kill the president. Author Forsyth received an Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America in 1972.
The novel was previously adapted into Fred Zinnemann’s 1973 feature, also titled “The Day of the Jackal,” 1988 film “August 1” directed by Sibi Malayil, and 1997’s “The Jackal” starring Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, and Sidney Poitier.
For the Peacock series, “Public Enemies” scribe Ronan Bennett is showrunner, writer, and executive producer. “Game of Thrones” and “Luther” director Brian Kirk is the lead director and will also EP the series. Author Forsyth serves as a consulting producer on the show.
Redmayne and Lynch both executive produce, along with Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant of Carnival Films, Sam Hoyle of Sky Studios, and Sue Naegle. Chris Hall produces.
“The Day of the Jackal” is Redmayne’s first major TV role and marks his return to the screen after starring in “Cabaret” on Broadway.
The series is produced by Carnival Films and distributed by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.
“The Day of the Jackal” premieres November 7 on Peacock. Check out the teaser below.
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