Eddie Redmayne Plays A Cunning Killer In The Series, The Day Of The Jackal
A crime drama, an award-winning actor and a beloved thriller novel classic: all elements that makeup Sky’s new series The Day of the Jackal. Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne is set to star as an elusive assassin in a new adaptation of the novel by Frederick Forsyth, with Bond actress Lashana Lynch playing the cop on his tail. It joins other shows like Joan and Sweetpea as unmissable British thrillers coming to TV this year- here’s what to know:
What is The Day of the Jackal about?
The Day of the Jackal became a staple of the assassin genre when it debuted way back in 1971 as a book. The novel and Sky’s new series centres around the titular Jackal (Redmayne), an entirely mysterious figure who is virtually unknown to the world’s security services and yet has gained a reputation for being one of the best in the killing-for-hire business. A cold and emotionless assassin who asks for a pretty penny in fees, the Jackal is ruthlessly efficient and methodical and enjoys sharp suits the high life and the that his earnings and job have brought him. Redmayne steps into the role of the legendary killer, previously played on screen in the acclaimed 1973 adaptation by Edward Fox, and by the looks of the first trailer he’s up for the task, appearing both suave and unsettling.
The original novel follows the assassin as he plots to assassinate the president of France, Charles de Gaulle, one of the most iconic figures in 20th-century Europe. However, Sky’s new series will be a “contemporary drama” in the 21st-century geo-political landscape. Who the Jackal is tasked with targeting in this series is unknown, but the core of the story that’s adapted here is the cat-and-mouse chase of the police and others trying to catch the killer before he can act in ways that will shock the world.
The Day of the Jackal will see Bond star Lashana Lynch opposite Redmayne, and it’s her character Biana who’s tasked with bringing him to justice. “Our man works alone, an exceptional assassin… I know I can find him.” With the intelligence services behind her, the Jackal will use all of the tools at his disposal to evade being brought in. A key element of the novel is the Jackal’s many disguises and ability to avoid detection in audacious ways, and it looks like Redmayne will also be donning different personas and using fake prosthetics to get away. Bianca’s drive to find the man known as the Jackal begins to consume her, and at a personal cost. Both will travel the continent in the series’ thrilling narrative.
Who else stars, and is there a release date?
In addition to its two main stars, The Day of the Jackal also features Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist), Chukwudi Iwuji (Designated Survivor) and Richard Dormer. It arrives on Sky and NOW on 7th November.