Peacock’s “The Day Of The Jackal” Is Like Watching Indiana Jones Cosplay As James Bond
Source: Peacock
About The Show
Peacock’s new series The Day of the Jackal is a sleek, stylish reimagining of the Frederick Forsyth novel and its 1973 film adaptation—but this time, it’s dressed up with modern flair, a charismatic cast, and a pulpy sense of fun. Airing its first season in November 2024 and already renewed for a second, the British spy thriller stars Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch in a high-stakes game of deception, espionage, and unpredictability. If you’ve ever wondered what a James Bond–Indiana Jones crossover might look like, this is your answer.
Eddie Redmayne leads the series as the titular Jackal, and he’s clearly having a blast with it. He plays the role with a sort of flamboyant confidence that doesn’t come off as arrogance but rather as calculated unpredictability. He's dashing and a bit nerdy at the same time, slipping into a rotating carousel of disguises with ease. Redmayne's Jackal isn’t an all-powerful super-spy who walks into every room with the upper hand. Instead, he's often on the back foot, forced to rely on quick thinking, improvisation, and cleverness to navigate dangerous terrain.
This vulnerability makes him more compelling to watch. Like the best moments in early Bond films—especially those starring Sean Connery—the tension lies not in brute strength but in how the protagonist outsmarts the odds. There’s also a healthy dose of Indiana Jones energy here, particularly in the way the Jackal stumbles into situations where wit is his only weapon and luck is always running thin.
Supporting Cast
One of the show’s standout pleasures is its supporting cast, which adds layers of gravitas and unpredictability to The Day of the Jackal. Charles Dance, best known as the icy Tywin Lannister from Game of Thrones, brings his signature presence to the role of one of the Jackal’s wealthy NYC based clients. He commands every scene he’s in with a dominant classiness—a quiet authority that suggests a man who’s seen everything, and still expects to get his way. His interactions with his inner circle are full of tension and mutual calculation, as if they’re playing a chess match behind every line of dialogue.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Khalid Abdalla, who played Dodi Fayed in The Crown, and here steps into the role of a cocky, high-profile tech magnate who becomes a target. He’s flashy, arrogant, and completely convinced of his own genius—exactly the kind of character who underestimates someone like the Jackal. Abdalla brings a sharp, modern energy to the show, offering a new kind of antagonist that feels very 21st century
Source: Peacock
Production
Created and written by Ronan Bennett, and brought to life by a diverse directing team including Brian Kirk, Anthony Philipson, Paul Wilmshurst, and Anu Menon, the show manages to feel both grounded and unpredictable. It respects the source material while finding room for reinvention. Lashana Lynch adds a strong counterbalance to Redmayne, bringing grit and grounded intensity that keeps the series from veering too far into camp.
With smart writing, global intrigue, and a lead performance that embraces charisma without relying on invincibility, The Day of the Jackal stands out in the crowded field of modern spy dramas. It’s not just about cool gadgets or globe-trotting chases—it’s about how intelligence, vulnerability, and identity all intersect in the messy world of espionage. If the first season is any indication, season two should be even better.
