Eddie Redmayne’s Acclaimed Role in The Day of the Jackal Ignites Global Buzz and Anticipation for Season Two

Eddie Redmayne has quite literally done it all. He’s acted in blockbuster franchises like Fantastic Beasts and auteur-led dramas such as The Theory of Everything. He’s sung in high-profile musicals like Les Misérables and performed on stage in productions including Red and Cabaret. Along the way, Redmayne has won an Oscar, Tony, Golden Globe, BAFTA Award, SAG Award, and two Olivier Awards, among numerous other accolades.

However, something unexpected happened following his latest critically acclaimed role — playing a ruthless assassin in Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal. Redmayne told The Hollywood Reporter about the overwhelming buzz that continued for weeks and months after the series launched in November 2024. Unlike traditional films, where there’s often a single moment when everyone watches, the show’s weekly release created a unique water-cooler effect. Redmayne said, “I got stopped by people on the street and they just wanted to drill down into the show. That open conversation is rare and really thrilling.”

Based on the acclaimed 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth, The Day of the Jackal follows a highly elusive assassin known as the Jackal, who takes on high-stakes hits. After a major job, he faces off against a tenacious British intelligence officer, played by Lashana Lynch, leading to a globe-trotting, tense cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. Produced by Carnival Films, part of Universal International Studios and Sky Studios, the executive producer team includes Ronan Bennett, Gareth Naeme, Nigel Marchant, Sam Hoyle, Sue Naegle, Brian Kirk, and Redmayne himself.

Redmayne, who is also an executive producer, expressed “great pride” in the project. “Using the whole of you rather than just the actor part makes you feel heavily invested,” he said. This credit was not a mere vanity — he described being deeply involved in editing, marketing, visual effects, and music, all while performing on stage in Cabaret in New York.

Calling the project an “actor’s playground,” Redmayne highlighted the range of skills the role demanded — from voice changes and accents to makeup, stunts, and intense emotional depth. “It had everything. It was a very easy yes for me,” he shared.

Fans can also look forward to a second season, now in development. Although Redmayne couldn’t reveal details, he teased having read some new scripts and expressed excitement about pushing the show to new heights.