Sky and Peacock today announce a new original television series inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s seminal thriller The Day of the Jackal and the award-winning 1973 film adaptation from Universal Pictures.
The new series is a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved and respected novel and film. While remaining true to the DNA of the original IP, this modern drama will delve deeper into the chameleon-like ‘anti-hero’ at the heart of the story in a high-octane, cinematic, globetrotting ‘cat and mouse thriller, set amidst the turbulent geo-political landscape of our time.
The Day of the Jackal will be produced by Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Sky Studios. Irish screenwriter Ronan Bennett is attached to write and showrun. The award-winning Brian Kirk will be the lead director.
Gareth Neame, Executive Producer, Carnival Films, said: “It is exciting to work with Ronan Bennett and Brian Kirk on this contemporary cat-and-mouse thriller inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s respected novel and the much admired and remembered Fred Zinnemann movie. 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.”
Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said: “We’re excited to adapt this internationally recognized classic into an updated, timely, political thriller. Shepherded by novelist and showrunner Ronan Bennett and Carnival, this action-packed high-stakes drama is sure to be an edge-of-your-seat adventure for Peacock audiences.”
Meghan Lyvers, Director of Original Drama, Sky Studios UK&I, said: “The Day of the Jackal is a timeless international espionage thriller that is beloved worldwide. Ronan’s propulsive storytelling will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and we cannot wait to bring this premium, cinematic, globetrotting series to Sky audiences across Europe.”
Production on the series will commence next summer. The Day of the Jackal was commissioned by Gabriel Silver, Director of Commissioning, Drama, and Sam Hoyle, Executive Producer, at Sky Studios for Zai Bennett, MD of Content at Sky UK & Ireland. Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant are Executive Producers for Carnival Films. Frederick Forsyth will serve as Consulting Producer, and Christopher Hall will be the Producer.
The Day of the Jackal will be available on Peacock in the US and Sky in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales of the series.
