Comcast’s Peacock and Sky are partnering on an original drama series inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s spy thriller Day of the Jackal and the 1973 film adaptation by Universal Pictures.
Screenwriter Ronan Bennett (Top Boy) is attached as writer and showrunner, with Brian Kirk (game of thrones, Luther) serving as principal director.
The series will be produced by Carnival Films (Downton Abbey), part of Universal International Studios, in collaboration with Sky Studios.
“The new series is a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved and respected novel and film,” the companies said. “While staying true to the DNA of the original IP, this contemporary drama will delve deeper into the ‘anti-hero’ as the chameleon at the center of the story in a high-octane, cinematic, globe-trotting cat-and-mouse thriller ‘. set amidst the turbulent geopolitical landscape of our time.”
Production will start in the summer. The series will then become available in the US on Peacock, Comcast’s NBCUniversal streaming service, and on Comcast’s European pay-TV giant Sky in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales of the series.
“It’s an exciting prospect to work with Ronan Bennett and Brian Kirk on this contemporary cat-and-mouse thriller inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s respected novel and Fred Zinnemann’s much-admired and remembered film,” said Gareth Neame, executive producer at Carnival Films. . “We will retain the pan-European setting and play to the strengths of episodic television in this fast-paced, intelligent international thriller with the story of a killer and the race to stop him still at the heart of the action.”
Neame and Nigel Marchant will serve as executive producers on the show for Carnival Films. Forsyth will serve as consulting producer and Christopher Hall as producer.
“We are excited to adapt this internationally acclaimed classic into an updated, timely political thriller,” said Lisa Katz, president, has written content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Headed by novelist and showrunner Ronan Bennett and Carnival, this action-packed, high-stakes drama is sure to be a first-time adventure for Peacock audiences.”
Added Meghan Lyvers, director of original drama at Sky Studios UK & Ireland, said: “Day of the Jackal is a timeless international espionage thriller that is loved around the world. Ronan’s riveting storytelling will keep viewers on the edge of their seats and we look forward to bringing this premium, cinematic and globe-trotting series to Sky audiences across Europe.”
