Universal
The film industry today is often criticized for its lack of originality, with many movies being part of a larger franchise or based on pre-existing intellectual property. We find ourselves repeatedly journeying back to Middle-earth, revisiting Harry Potter’s wizarding world, and encountering yet another adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” featuring a white Heathcliffe, despite his character being described as Black in the original Emily Brontë novel.
However, some stories are timeless, always leaving room for another adaptation. The enduring appeal of “Hamlet,” for instance, lies in the unique interpretations brought to life by talented actors and directors. Whether set in Denmark or reimagined in New York City, the Elsinore brewery, or Pride Rock, this classic Shakespearean drama never loses its charm. Similarly, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories stand the test of time, despite audiences knowing the plot twists and turns ahead.
One such enduring piece of intellectual property is a historical fiction novel centered around a failed real-life assassination attempt. Initially published in 1971, the story has been adapted into a successful movie featuring Edward Fox, Michael Lonsdale, and Derek Jacobi. It was also reworked into a Malayalam film in 1988 titled “August 1,” starring Indian film industry legends Mammootty, Captain Raju, and Sukumaran. Universal Studios later revamped the story in 1997 into a thrilling cat-and-mouse game featuring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere.
This story is none other than “The Day of the Jackal,” which is now back with a miniseries sporting a distinctly British flavor.
The Jackal’s Return
Peacock
Acclaimed novelist and screenwriter, Ronan Bennett, is the creator of the revamped “The Day of the Jackal.” The new series stars Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne as the title assassin commissioned to assassinate a billionaire tech tycoon. The audacity of Bennett’s plot could be likened to Frederick Forsyth’s bold move in 1971 when he made the real French president Charles de Gaulle the target of the Jackal.
This miniseries is the first substantial adaptation of Forsyth’s novel since the Willis-Gere film “The Jackal,” which managed to gross $159 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. Although the film was met with lukewarm reviews (currently holding a 36 rating on Metacritic), it has remained popular as a “Dad Movie,” thanks to syndication and streaming. The miniseries, which holds a higher rating of 74 at Metacritic, is a better starting point, especially with the talented Lashana Lynch co-starring as Redmayne’s pursuer.
You can start watching the first five episodes of “The Day of the Jackal” on Peacock from November 14, 2024.
FAQs
Q: What is “The Day of the Jackal” about?
A: “The Day of the Jackal” is a story centered around a failed real-life assassination attempt. The story has been adapted several times, most recently as a miniseries featuring Eddie Redmayne as the title assassin.
Q: Who stars in the new “The Day of the Jackal” miniseries?
A: The miniseries stars Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne as the title assassin, with Lashana Lynch co-starring as his pursuer.
Q: When can I start watching “The Day of the Jackal” on Peacock?
A: The first five episodes of “The Day of the Jackal” will start streaming on Peacock from November 14, 2024.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
