Disney+ continues to focus on high-impact international productions with the premiere of The Jackal, a ten-episode miniseries that revives the famous novel by Frederick Forsyth, published in 1971. This espionage thriller comes with a contemporary look, adapted by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy), and starring a cast headed by Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch and Úrsula Corberó. The series promises action, intrigue and a deeper exploration of the moral dilemmas that define the genre.
In this new version, Redmayne plays “The Jackal”, a meticulous and highly trained assassin who moves in the shadows. His mission leads him to confront Bianca (Lynch), a brilliant intelligence agent who leads the operation to stop him. The persecution takes place within the framework of a contemporary Europe marked by globalization, technological advances and the threats of a constantly changing world.
The story, which in its original version was set during the Cold War, is updated to address current issues, such as the impact of artificial intelligence and political tensions between the great powers. “Forsyth’s novel remains a reference in the genre, but we wanted to give it a more human and relevant approach for today’s audience,” Bennett explained in a recent interview.
Eddie Redmayne, Oscar winner for The theory of everythingimmerses himself in a complex and cold character. His interpretation promises to explore the internal motivations of the Jackal, a man who operates on the margins of society but with a code of his own. “I wanted the audience to see beyond the killer; that they understood the contradictions and the reasons behind their actions,” Redmayne said during the London premiere.
Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die) presents herself as an equally fascinating antagonist. Her character, Bianca, is not only a skilled strategist, but also a woman facing the pressures of leading a high-risk operation while dealing with her own inner demons. The relationship between Bianca and the Jackal is one of the central points of the series, oscillating between mutual respect and lethal confrontation.
Úrsula Corberó, known worldwide for The Money Heistadds an emotional touch to the drama. His character, whose name and role are kept secret until the end of the second episode, promises to be a key piece in the outcome of the story.
The Jackal combines meticulously choreographed action scenes with a narrative approach that reflects on the ethical dilemmas of espionage. How far can a government go to capture a murderer? Is it possible to justify violence for a greater good? These are some of the themes that the series raises, offering an experience that goes beyond entertainment.
Additionally, the series stands out for its production design. Filmed in iconic locations in cities such as Paris, Berlin and London, The Jackal It uses its European setting as another character in the plot. The urban landscapes and minimalist interiors reflect the cold and calculating world in which the protagonists move.
Technology also plays a crucial role in the story. Artificial intelligence, mass surveillance systems and counterespionage tools become silent protagonists, raising the tension in each episode. According to Bennett, “modern technology is not only an advantage to the characters, but also a threat that can turn against them at any moment.”
Since its publication, The day of the Jackal It has been adapted multiple times, with the 1973 film version being one of the most recognized. However, this new adaptation seeks to differentiate itself by delving deeper into the characters and current sociopolitical contexts.
With a sharp script, standout performances, and direction that balances visual spectacle with introspective narrative, The Jackal It promises to be one of Disney+’s strongest bets this year. You can now see the first 5 episodes and then you can see the remaining 5 weekly.
For those looking for action, mystery and a story that makes them question the limits of morality, The Jackal It is, without a doubt, an unmissable event.
