Eddie Redmayne's "The Day of the Jackal": His First TV Role
Eddie Redmayne's decision to star in "The Day of the Jackal" marks a significant shift, representing his first major foray into television. The award-winning actor, renowned for his roles in films like Les Misérables and Fantastic Beasts, is now taking on the titular character in this television adaptation, exploring new creative territory.
Redmayne himself expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "This particular character just sang to me. I signed on after reading three episodes." He also took on a producing role, finding it "riveting." What aspects of the character drew him in so strongly?
He elaborated on the appeal, noting, "It's also a genre that I love. I've never had the opportunity to kind of play but also, as you [the interviewer] say, the character is an actor, so you get ... it's like an actor's playground, right? You get to do accents, you get to do languages, you get to do prosthetics, you get to do physical stuff. It's amazing."
The Challenges of Playing The Jackal
Playing The Jackal presented unique challenges, particularly the character's ability to seamlessly blend into any environment, including mastering different languages. Redmayne admitted, "I don't speak a word of German . . . . I did it phonetically with this brilliant woman named Simone," highlighting the dedication required to authentically portray the character.
Did this linguistic hurdle deter him? Not at all. It fueled his commitment to delivering a compelling performance. The show's success validated his efforts, leading to a swift renewal for a second season.
Seventy-five days after its premiere, The Day of the Jackal Season 1 became Peacock's most-watched original drama series, marking a significant achievement for the streaming platform. This success speaks volumes about the show's gripping narrative and Redmayne's captivating portrayal of the elusive Jackal.
Executive producer Gareth Neame hinted at the direction of Season 2, stating, "There’s some serious bit of unfinished business.” He added, "We actually know what his priority is, in terms of what his next mission will be. He’s trying to find [his family]. Whether he does or not, let’s see," referencing the Season 1 finale.
What to Expect from The Day of the Jackal Season 2
Season 2 promises to delve deeper into The Jackal's personal life, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate narrative. Will he succeed in his quest to reunite with his family? Only time will tell.
Neame emphasized the importance of maintaining the show's captivating elements, stating, "[We want fans] to root for it and wanting to come back, but without it being something that outstays its welcome and indeed loses its edge. We want to keep the show as surprising and edgy and twisty and turning as it’s been so far."
While production for Season 2 is yet to commence, anticipation is high for what the future holds for The Day of the Jackal. Will Redmayne's portrayal continue to captivate audiences, and will the show maintain its position as a streaming sensation?
Eddie Redmayne's venture into television with The Day of the Jackal proved to be a resounding success. The series’ blend of action, suspense, and intricate character development, coupled with Redmayne's compelling performance, has solidified its place as a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts. The future of The Day of the Jackal looks promising, with season 2 poised to deliver even more twists and turns.