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The Day of the Jackal is a Highly anticipated Sky and Peacock Original series The Day of the Jackal, premiering Sunday, November 10 at 9 p.m. E.T., bringing Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel to life. Eddie Redmayne stars as the elusive killer the Jackal, with Lashana Lynch playing the determined intelligence officer on his tail.
Sky Studios and Carnival Film & Television have teamed up to create this 10-part political thriller. The show will air on Global in Canada.
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Series Overview
The Jackal takes on a high-stakes job to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. As the Jackal meticulously plans his attack, British and French intelligence agencies race to uncover his identity and thwart the plot.
The story unfolds across Europe in a tense cat-and-mouse chase. Viewers see the Jackal’s careful preparations and the desperate efforts of law enforcement to catch him.
The series explores the complex geo-political landscape of 1960s France and the reasons behind the assassination attempt.
Adaptation Background
This TV series is based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel of the same name. The book was a bestseller and is known for its detailed research and realism. It’s been adapted before, most notably as a 1973 film.
The new series aims to update the story for a modern audience while staying true to the source material. It expands on the novel’s plot, giving more depth to characters and exploring subplots in greater detail.
The show’s creators worked to balance faithfulness to Forsyth’s work with the needs of serialized television storytelling. They’ve taken care to recreate the 1960s setting and the tense political atmosphere of the time.
Production
“The Day of the Jackal” TV series began development in late 2022. The show brings together top talent and studios from both sides of the Atlantic.
Development
Carnival Films partnered with Sky and Peacock to create this new adaptation. They announced the project in November 2022. Ronan Bennett took on the role of writer and showrunner. Brian Kirk signed on as the lead director.
Eddie Redmayne joined as both star and executive producer. The team decided to update the original story with a modern setting. This fresh take aims to bring the classic thriller to a new audience.
Filming Locations
The series films across Europe to match its story of an international manhunt. Crews have been spotted in the UK, France, and other European countries.
These locations add authenticity to the chase scenes. They also showcase the beauty and diversity of European cities and landscapes. The production uses both real-world settings and studio facilities to create the show’s world.
Casting Details
Eddie Redmayne leads the cast as the mysterious Jackal. Lashana Lynch plays the British intelligence officer hunting him down. Úrsula Corberó also stars in a key role.
The show features a mix of established names and rising stars. Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, and Chukwudi Iwuji appear as guest stars. This international cast reflects the story’s global scope. The producers aimed to bring together actors who could capture the tension and intrigue of the source material.
Cast and Characters
The Day of the Jackal TV series features a talented ensemble cast bringing the story to life. Key actors portray complex characters in this adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s novel.
Lead Roles
Eddie Redmayne stars as the Jackal. His character is described as a chameleon-like anti-hero. Lashana Lynch plays Bianca, an MI-6 agent tasked with hunting down the Jackal. Úrsula Corberó also takes on a major role, though details about her character are not yet known.
These lead actors bring star power and acting prowess to the series. Their performances will likely drive much of the drama and tension as the cat-and-mouse game between assassin and spy unfolds.
Supporting Cast
The Day of the Jackal boasts an impressive supporting cast. Charles Dance, known for his commanding screen presence, joins the series in an undisclosed role. Other notable actors include:
- Richard Dormer
- Chukwudi Iwuji
- Lia Williams
- Khalid Abdalla
- Eleanor Matsuura
- Jonjo O’Neill
While their specific characters are not yet revealed, this group of skilled performers adds depth to the show’s ensemble. Their roles will likely flesh out the world of espionage and intrigue surrounding the main plot.
Character Dynamics
The series promises to explore complex relationships between its characters. The central dynamic will likely revolve around the Jackal (Redmayne) and Bianca (Lynch) as hunter and hunted. Their cat-and-mouse game forms the backbone of the story.
Other character pairings and conflicts will emerge as the plot unfolds. The large cast suggests a web of alliances, betrayals, and hidden agendas. Viewers can expect tense confrontations and surprising twists as characters’ true motives come to light.
The adaptation aims to dig deeper into the Jackal’s character, potentially adding new layers to the infamous assassin from the novel.
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Teaser and Trailers
The first teaser for “The Day of the Jackal” dropped in early 2024. It was a 30-second clip showing quick flashes of action and Redmayne’s piercing gaze. The teaser ended with the sound of a gunshot, leaving viewers wanting more.
A full trailer followed in the summer of 2024. It gave a deeper look at the cast and plot. Scenes of high-stakes chases and tense standoffs filled the 2-minute preview. The trailer also highlighted the period setting and the international scope of the story.
Both the teaser and trailer quickly went viral. They racked up millions of views across social media platforms within days of release.
Behind the Scenes
The production of “The Day of the Jackal” TV series involved skilled direction, creative problem-solving, and memorable moments on set. Key figures like Brian Kirk and Ronan Bennett played crucial roles in shaping the show’s vision and overcoming challenges.
Directorial Vision
Brian Kirk led the direction of “The Day of the Jackal” series. He aimed to create a tense, modern take on the classic story. Kirk worked closely with the cast to bring out strong performances.
He focused on building suspense through careful pacing and visual style. The director used urban settings to add a contemporary feel to the assassin’s tale.
Kirk’s approach blended action scenes with character-driven moments. This balance helped keep viewers on the edge of their seats while also investing them in the characters’ journeys.
Creative Challenges
Updating a well-known story for today’s audience posed unique hurdles. The team had to make the plot feel fresh and relevant to 2024.
Ronan Bennett, as head writer, faced the task of modernizing the Jackal’s methods and motivations. This meant researching current technology and geopolitics to make the story believable.
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About Global
Global is one of Canada’s premier television networks, offering a diverse range of programming that includes news, dramas, and exclusive series. Known for its commitment to delivering high-quality content, Global airs popular shows like The Day of the Jackal, bringing gripping political thrillers to Canadian audiences.
With access through traditional cable and digital streaming platforms, including RiverTV, Global ensures viewers can catch their favourite shows on live TV or on demand. Its extensive programming caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a go-to network for Canadians seeking top-tier entertainment. Whether it’s local news or international drama, Global continues to be a leading player in Canadian television.
Watching Day of the Jackal with RiverTV is Easy and Affordable
“The Day of the Jackal” TV series reinvents Frederick Forsyth’s classic thriller with a modern twist, delivering a gripping, edge-of-your-seat political drama. With stellar performances, particularly by Eddie Redmayne as the cunning assassin, and Lashana Lynch as his determined pursuer, the series offers an intense cat-and-mouse chase.
The series’ fresh adaptation ensures both new viewers and longtime fans of the novel will be captivated. Stream this thrilling reimagining of a classic on RiverTV for seamless access to every pulse-pounding episode.
