Day of the Jackal

Eddie Redmayne Takes a Bullet for Thrills in 'The Day of the Jackal'!

Get ready to experience a twisty ride with Eddie Redmayne in the new remake of 'The Day of the Jackal'—chills, thrills, and just the right amount of cheekiness!

Eddie Redmayne is back on our screens, and this time he's trading Hogwarts for high-stakes espionage in the much-anticipated remake of Frederick Forsyth's classic, 'The Day of the Jackal.' The new 10-part series, airing on Sky Atlantic, promises to blend thrilling plotlines with a touch of 21st-century flair. Redmayne, channeling a nerdier version of James Bond, portrays a calculating assassin on a mission that will keep viewers glued to their seats even if they do occasionally find themselves giggling at its more outrageous moments.

Critics have praised the series for its lavish production and a storyline that keeps the tension simmering throughout. One thing’s for sure: Redmayne’s character is not your typical heartthrob spy; he instead embodies a quirky and unpredictable charm that may have audiences questioning whether they’re rooting for him or against him. With lashings of suspense and clever twists, this adaptation manages to update Forsyth's brilliant 1971 novel while paying homage to the original. It’s like combining a cheeky Tinder date with high-octane car chases—what’s not to love?

However, not everyone has been fully on board with this modern-day reboot. Viewers have taken to social media to express their concerns about certain aspects of the show, particularly the pacing and direction. If anything, this backlash brings to light just how deeply fans hold the original film and novel in their hearts. One can’t help but think: Is Eddie Redmayne still trying to prove himself as the British answer to every spy thriller hero? Is he secretly training for MI6 on the side?

In the grand scheme of things, 'The Day of the Jackal' serves as a compelling reminder of how classic literary works can evolve over time. With a narrative steeped in true historical events, Forsyth’s original inspiration stemmed from the real-life assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle, which adds a juicy layer of intrigue that resonates even today. As viewers grapple with the question of true vs. fiction, it’s thrilling to think that we could be skipping back to different eras while perched on the couch with our snacks and pondering life… or, at the very least, contemplating on how we’d fare in a spy situation—even if we’re still asking ourselves if Redmayne’s Jackal has a bit of a superhero complex.

Fun Fact: The book's original title was inspired by an actual event where a jackal was used to conceal someone in the assassination plot against de Gaulle! Furthermore, if you’re wondering where this title ranks in the realm of thrilling adaptions, just know that its 1973 film adaptation is still hailed as a perfect rendition, attracting numerous awards and accolades for its gripping narrative!