Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne has officially signed on for the leading role in Peacock and Sky’s upcoming series adaptation of The Day of the Jackal, based on Frederick Forsyth’s seminal thriller novel of the same name. This marks Redmayne’s first major scripted TV project after more than a decade since appearing in the limited dramas Birdsong and The Pillars of the Earth.
“We are excited to bring to life Ronan Bennett’s re-imagining of Forsyth’s revered thriller in the complex world in which we live today and are incredibly fortunate to have an actor of Eddie’s caliber as our Jackal,” executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement. “Paired with Ronan’s screenplay and Brian Kirk’s direction, this is a first-class creative team.”
The Day of the Jackal will be written by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy), who will also serve as a showruner, with Game of Thrones‘ Brian Kirk attached to direct. In addition to starring, The Danish Girl actor has also boarded the project as an executive producer. Production is expected to begin sometime this year.
“The series is a bold, modern reimagining of the beloved and respected novel and film,” reads the logline. “While staying true to the DNA of the original story, this contemporary drama will delve deeper into the chameleon-like ‘anti-hero’ at the heart of the story in a high octane, cinematic, globetrotting ‘cat and mouse’ thriller, set amidst the turbulent geo-political landscape of our time.”
The Day of the Jackal will be executive produced by Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant, and Sam Hoyle. It is produced by Carnival Films and Sky Studios, with Forsyth set as a consulting producer and Christopher Hall to produce.
