Yahoo News Eddie Redmayne joins Top Boy creator's new TV show
Eddie Redmayne is set to star in The Day of the Jackal, the new series from Top Boy creator Ronan Bennett.
The upcoming series is based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel of the same name, which, in turn, was adapted into a feature film two years later.
The original story focuses on an assassin named the Jackal, who is hired to kill French president Charles de Gaulle. The latest adaptation however is set to shift the narrative to a more contemporary setting akin to the "turbulent geo-political landscape of our time", according to a press release.
Related: Top Boy season 5 potential release date, cast and more
Redmayne will assume the role of the hitman, The Wrap reports, with the new series set to keep the initial concept of the original story but also "delve deeper into the chameleon like anti-hero’ at the heart of the story in a high octane, cinematic, globetrotting ‘cat and mouse’ thriller".
In addition to Redmayne and Bennett, Game of Thrones and Luther director Brian Kirk will helm the project, which is set to go into production later this year ahead of its release on Sky and Peacock.
Upon the announcement of the series back in November, executive producer Gareth Neame said: “We’ll retain the pan-European setting and play to the strengths of episodic television in this fast paced, intelligent international thriller with the story of an assassin and the race to stop him still at the heart of the action.
Related: Top Boy's Micheal Ward explains surprising challenge of new movie
Lisa Katz, the President of Scripted Content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, added: “We’re excited to adapt this internationally recognised classic into an updated, timely, political thriller.
"Shepherded by novelist and showrunner Ronan Bennett and Carnival [Productions], this action-packed high-stakes drama is sure to be an edge-of-your seat adventure for Peacock audiences."
The Day of the Jackal is yet to receive a release date.
You Might Also Like
