On a Tuesday evening in London, the streets echoed with whispers of a dangerous game as "The Jackal" prowled free. Among the glitterati gracing the U.K. premiere of the eagerly awaited TV adaptation of "The Day of the Jackal" at the Queen Elizabeth Hall within the Southbank Centre stood Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, and Úrsula Corberó, the latter renowned for her portrayal of Tokyo in Netflix's sensational hit "Money Heist."
Redmayne, assuming the mantle of the infamous fictional assassin from the Frederick Forsyth novel and its acclaimed 1973 film counterpart by Universal Pictures, not only stars but also serves as an executive producer in this bold, modern reinterpretation. The series, which recently unveiled its captivating trailer, boasts an ensemble cast that includes Charles Dance (of "Game of Thrones" and "The Crown"), Richard Dormer ("Fortitude," "Game of Thrones"), Chukwudi Iwuji ("Guardians of the Galaxy," "The Split"), Lia Williams ("The Capture," "The Crown"), Khalid Abdalla ("The Crown," "The Kite Runner"), Eleanor Matsuura ("The Walking Dead," "I Used To Be Famous"), Jonjo O’Neill ("Andor," "Bad Sisters"), Sule Rimi ("Classified," "Andor"), and Nick Blood ("Euphoria").
Touted by its creators as a "daring, contemporary revival of the beloved and esteemed novel and film," this series remains faithful to the DNA of its 1962-set original, where assassination attempts on French President Charles de Gaulle loomed large. Yet, it delves deeper into the elusive "antihero" at its core, weaving a "high-octane, cinematic, globe-trotting thriller" against the tumultuous geopolitical backdrop of our times.
Following the London screening of the series' thrilling first episode, an engaging Q&A session ensued, featuring Redmayne, Lynch, Corberó, screenwriter and producer Ronan Bennett ("Top Boy"), director Brian Kirk ("Game of Thrones"), and executive producers Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant from Carnival Films.
Redmayne confessed that the original film and Forsyth's books had a profound impact on him, adding that he approached the iconic role with "tremendous trepidation." He relished the "cat and mouse" game, noting that the show's ten episodes allowed for a richer exploration of the characters' "deeply human" facets and complexities.
Lynch hailed "The Jackal" as a prime example of modernizing IP, emphasizing its effort to "humanize service women." She shared her insightful conversations with real-life servicewomen, touching on their dual struggles in both work and family life. She cherished the opportunity to portray a nuanced female character who, unlike archetypal "stick figures," possesses complexities and vulnerabilities.
Corberó, jokingly commenting on her chemistry with Redmayne, quipped that "it was horrible" before laughing it off and heaping praise on him, declaring, "He is the best. He is perfect."
Redmayne expressed his fulfillment in embodying the Jackal's multifaceted roles and disguises, commending the entire cast, prosthetics, costumes, and support teams, including his "long-suffering German coach."
Lynch, sharing her favorite aspect of the "Jackal" experience, proudly stated that she represented her West London roots, being a Shepherd's Bush native with her on-screen character residing nearby on Portobello Road.
Rounding off the panel, Redmayne humorously recounted his "deep humiliation" during a horseback riding scene, where he had to ride a mechanical bull instead of a real horse due to his self-described "catastrophic" history with equine sequences.
Earlier, on the red carpet, Redmayne, in a conversation with a Sky interviewer, emphasized that this series presents a contemporary lens on a story he cherished from his youth, incorporating digital technology while retaining the cherished "analog" elements that resonated deeply with him from the original.
"This grand production truly embodies a journey of epic proportions, taking us to distant lands like Budapest and Vienna, among others," he exclaimed, brimming with excitement yet tinged with a hint of homesickness, eagerly anticipating its triumphant return to London's stages. Redmayne further illuminated that this spectacle transcends boundaries, captivating even those unfamiliar with the original cinematic masterpiece or literary tome. For avid fans, however, it's a treasure trove of nuances, as evidenced by the director's meticulous recreation of a filmic scene, shot for shot.
Dormer eulogized the series as "quintessential premium television," boasting of his character as "perhaps the finest gunsmith the world has ever known." Lynch, sharing insights on their camaraderie, revealed that "our friendship blossomed beautifully" amidst their shared producer roles, despite limited on-set encounters compared to conventional co-leads.
"I delved into those initial three episodes with trepidation, seeking any excuse to avoid yet another MI6-esque venture," confessed the James Bond veteran, who ultimately succumbed to the allure. "But no, I'm all in. This legacy role embraced me wholeheartedly, with a focus on character depth and narrative intricacies that immediately plunged us into the psyche of female espionage—a realm seldom explored or discoursed upon," she emphasized, concluding with a fervent hope that "this show will revolutionize the industry's portrayal of such stories."
Corberó, sharing her maiden London premiere experience, exclaimed, "I never anticipated such a momentous occasion." Remaining coy about her character's arc, she hinted that after perusing the opening chapters, her protagonist felt "vulnerable," yet rejoiced in the transformation as "she discovers her inner strength," a narrative thread she finds particularly endearing.
As the crimson tide of blood spilled onto the plush carpet, Eddie Redmayne regaled the assembled crowd with a hilarious anecdote of his grand entrance into Hungary for the grueling filming sessions. Addressing a Sky interviewer, he quipped, "Fresh off the plane in Budapest, I stepped foot on terra firma only to be greeted by two charming ladies chirping, 'Hi, Nick!' Like a magnet to steel, I instinctively gravitated towards them, strolling alongside as they led the way to their vehicle. Little did I know, they whipped out photos, eager for autographs. I, being the dutiful fan magnet, nearly hopped into their ride, ready to become their guest for the evening. It was a close call indeed!"
Neame, on the glittering red carpet, confessed his and Marchant's undying love for the classic Jackal film, emphasizing their reluctance to merely replicate the past. "Our reverence for the original runs too deep," he declared, "so we've reimagined it into a captivating, contemporary 10-part series. It's a dramatic transformation, a form altogether distinct."
Marchant showered Redmayne with praise, extolling his "meticulous craftsmanship" and meticulous eye for detail in every performance. "He embodies the very essence of the English gentleman," he added, admiration lacing his words.
Earlier in the year, Cécile Frot-Coutaz, the visionary CEO of Sky Studios and chief content architect for Sky, had hailed Jackal as "a mammoth undertaking for us." She elaborated, "This is undoubtedly among our most daring and expansive productions yet. An epic odyssey of action and suspense."
On this Tuesday, she reiterated the project's profound significance, declaring it "a cherished endeavor, nestled close to our hearts," and a "paramount priority" across the expansive Comcast landscape. She lauded the trio of lead actors for their masterful renditions, bringing to life intricate, alluring characters that captivate audiences.
