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Forsyth worked as a freelance journalist covering the Biafra War
Synopsis
The Jackal is an elusive assassin who makes his money by carrying out murders for top fees. He soon comes across a dogged British intelligence officer who tracks him down in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. Check out our list of renewals and cancellations to see if your favourite show made the cut.
He said: ‘I came back at Christmas ’69 completely broke
When it ended, he returned to the UK unemployed and unsure of what to do next. No prospect of a job, no flat, no car and no savings. Then I had this crazy, crazy idea to write a novel.
Quoted on The Graham Norton Show: Denzel Washington/Paul Mescal/Saoirse Ronan/Eddie Redmayne/Blossoms (2024)
‘Everyone said it was a joke or I was mad because the chances of it even getting published are a hundred to one, a thousand even.’ Within weeks of release, the film rights were gone. Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars vied to play the Jackal in the 1973 film, but the role went to then-unknown Edward Fox because director Fred Zinnemann thought he could blend invisibly in a crowd. (Air Mail).
The cinematography and pacing are commendable, but Lynch’s miscasting prevents the show from being truly engaging
While The Jackal boasts an all-star cast and Eddie Redmayne delivers a chilling performance as the Jackal, the series stumbles with Lashana Lynch in the lead role. Her performance lacks the dignity and charisma needed to anchor such a gripping narrative and often feels out of step with the tension-filled plot. Eleanor Matsuura and Úrsula Corberó, however, shine in their supporting roles, bringing depth and intrigue to their characters.