The 2024 television adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s classic thriller brings a contemporary edge to the espionage genre, anchored by a distinguished ensemble of British and international talent. Led by Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne and BAFTA nominee Lashana Lynch, the series reimagines the cat-and-mouse narrative for modern audiences whilst maintaining the tension that defined the original 1973 film.
This ten-part thriller, which premiered on Sky Atlantic and NOW in November 2024, updates Forsyth’s Cold War narrative to present-day Europe. The production features a multinational cast portraying intelligence operatives, high-value targets, and the elusive assassin known only as The Jackal, whose true identity remains concealed behind multiple aliases throughout the first season.
Beyond the headline stars, the series draws upon established character actors and emerging talent to populate its world of covert operations and international intrigue. From MI6 headquarters in London to safe houses across the continent, the performances drive a narrative where personal and professional loyalties collide with devastating consequences.
Cast of The Day of the Jackal TV Series Season 1
The Jackal / Alexander Duggan
Oscar winner (The Theory of Everything)
Bianca Pullman
No Time to Die, The Woman King
Nuria Gonzalez Martin
Netflix’s Money Heist
Osita Halcrow
Peacemaker, Maniac
Key Insights
- Eddie Redmayne portrays the chameleonic assassin Alexander Duggan, operating under the codename The Jackal, a Sandhurst dropout and UKSF veteran.
- Lashana Lynch plays Bianca Pullman, an MI6 Section 303 agent and former police firearms expert grappling with estrangement from her family.
- Úrsula Corberó appears as Nuria Gonzalez Martin, the Jackal’s unsuspecting Spanish wife, who knows him only as Charles Calthrop.
- Charles Dance takes the role of Timothy Winthrop, the powerful financier orchestrating the assassination contracts.
- Khalid Abdalla features as Ulle Dag Charles, the billionaire tech entrepreneur and activist targeted by the Jackal.
- The supporting ensemble includes Lia Williams as MI6 Deputy Chief Isabel Kirby and Eleanor Matsuura as American liaison Zina Jansone.
Complete Season 1 Cast Table
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Redmayne | The Jackal / Alexander Duggan | Renowned assassin, master of disguise |
| Lashana Lynch | Bianca Pullman | MI6 Section 303 agent |
| Úrsula Corberó | Nuria Gonzalez Martin | Jackal’s wife, mother of Carlitos |
| Chukwudi Iwuji | Osita Halcrow | Bianca’s MI6 boss |
| Charles Dance | Timothy Winthrop | Financier employing the Jackal |
| Khalid Abdalla | Ulle Dag Charles | Billionaire tech entrepreneur |
| Lia Williams | Isabel Kirby | MI6 Deputy Chief of Staff |
| Eleanor Matsuura | Zina Jansone | American liaison |
| Sule Rimi | Paul Pullman | Bianca’s estranged husband |
| Ben Hall | Damian Richardson | MI6 agent, Bianca’s colleague |
| Jonjo O’Neill | Edward Carver | MI6 ‘fixer’ investigating leaks |
| Richard Dormer | Norman | Supporting operative |
Notable recurring appearances include Florisa Kamara as Jasmine Pullman (Bianca’s daughter), Nick Blood as Vincent Pyne (Bianca’s old friend), and Kate Dickie as Alison Stoke. Eddie Redmayne Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography 2025 provides further detail on the lead actor’s extensive career prior to this role.
The Day of the Jackal Season 2 Cast
Sky Atlantic renewed the series for a second season in November 2024, mere weeks after the Season 1 premiere. However, production executives have not yet disclosed which cast members will return or whether new characters will join the narrative.
Returning Cast Speculation
Given the cliffhanger conclusion of the first series, industry observers anticipate the return of Eddie Redmayne as the Jackal and Lashana Lynch as Bianca Pullman. Nevertheless, these remain assumptions until formally confirmed by the producers or broadcasting network.
New Character Possibilities
Creator Ronan Bennett may introduce additional intelligence officers or antagonists to escalate the stakes for the sophomore run. Casting announcements typically precede filming by several months, providing clarity on the ensemble composition.
Whilst Season 2 received formal commission in November 2024, filming schedules and cast contracts remain undisclosed. Viewers should await official press releases from Sky Atlantic for verified casting news rather than speculative reports.
Where to Watch The Day of the Jackal TV Series Featuring This Cast
United Kingdom Broadcasting
The complete first season streams exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW within the United Kingdom, having launched in November 2024. Subscribers require an active membership to access the ten episodes on demand.
International Availability
Distribution arrangements outside the UK remain partially confirmed. The series represents a co-production between British and American interests, suggesting potential availability on Peacock or affiliated Sky international platforms, though specific regional catalogues vary by territory.
International viewers should verify local listings through official regional broadcasters, as streaming rights for the programme may transfer between platforms depending on territorial agreements established by the production consortium.
Cast of The Day of the Jackal TV Series: Emma and Wife Roles
Search queries regarding a character named “Emma” or the “wife” of the Jackal require clarification. The principal romantic interest and spouse is Nuria Gonzalez Martin, portrayed by Úrsula Corberó, who believes her husband’s alias is Charles Calthrop.
Minor character Emma Stoke appears briefly in the series, played by Katherine Devlin. This character is the wife of Alison Stoke (Kate Dickie) and bears no relation to the Jackal’s central domestic storyline. This distinction resolves common confusion arising from cast list searches.
No character named Emma serves as the Jackal’s wife. Nuria Gonzalez Martin, played by Úrsula Corberó, holds this narrative function. Emma Stoke constitutes a separate, minor role appearing in limited scenes unrelated to the primary assassination plot.
Puchi Lagarde appears as Marisa (Nuria’s mother), whilst Jon Arias portrays Alvaro (Nuria’s brother), extending the Jackal’s constructed family circle in Spain. These roles feature predominantly in the early episodes establishing the assassin’s civilian cover.
Production Timeline and Release Dates
- – Season 1 premieres on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the United Kingdom, comprising ten episodes.
- – Sky Atlantic formally renews the series for Season 2, citing strong audience reception.
- – Creator Ronan Bennett completes writing duties for the inaugural season, with direction split between Brian Kirk, Anthony Philipson, Paul Wilmshurst and Anu Menon.
- – Executive producers Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant and Christopher Hall oversee post-production and platform delivery.
Verified Facts and Outstanding Questions
| Established Information | Unclear Details |
|---|---|
| Season 1 cast includes Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, Úrsula Corberó and Charles Dance | Season 2 casting announcements remain pending |
| Series premiered November 2024 on Sky Atlantic | International streaming dates outside the UK |
| Season 2 renewed November 2024 | Plot details and character arcs for the second series |
| Ten episodes constitute the first season | Specific filming commencement dates for Season 2 |
| No character named Emma appears as the Jackal’s wife | Whether Katherine Devlin will reprise Emma Stoke in future episodes |
Adaptation and Casting Context
This 2024 adaptation marks the first television series based on Forsyth’s novel, distinct from the 1973 cinematic version starring Edward Fox. The casting of Eddie Redmayne represents a deliberate shift toward psychological complexity, utilising the actor’s capacity for physical transformation and ambiguous moral signalling established in previous dramatic roles.
Lashana Lynch’s casting continues her trajectory from high-profile franchise work into prestige television, following her appearances in the James Bond series. Her portrayal of Bianca Pullman offers a counterbalance to the Jackal’s amorality, grounding the narrative in procedural authenticity and emotional consequence.
Spanish star Úrsula Corberó transitions from her breakout role in Money Heist to this Anglo-European production, bringing established continental recognition to the ensemble. The mixture of British theatrical tradition and international screen talent reflects the series’ pan-European setting and funding structure.
Sources and Attribution
Cast details derive from official production credits verified through Wikipedia’s editorial oversight, TV Guide listings, and MovieMeter databases. Role descriptions align with character breakdowns published by Radio Times and Rotten Tomatoes.
The ensemble features a mix of British, Spanish, and international actors portraying spies, assassins, and targets in a modern cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
Production credits via Radio Times and Wikipedia
Summary of the Ensemble
The 2024 adaptation assembles a formidable cast led by Eddie Redmayne’s elusive assassin and Lashana Lynch’s determined intelligence operative, supported by Charles Dance’s menacing financier and Úrsula Corberó’s unwitting spouse. With Season 2 confirmed but details pending, this roster establishes a high-stakes narrative universe likely to expand when production resumes. For comparative casting information on recent espionage dramas, consult the Black Doves Cast – Complete Season 1 List and Season 2 Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the 2024 television adaptation?
Ronan Bennett created and wrote the series, with direction from Brian Kirk, Anthony Philipson, Paul Wilmshurst and Anu Menon. Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant serve as executive producers.
Does the series share cast members with the 1973 film?
No. The 2024 television series features an entirely new ensemble distinct from the 1973 cinematic adaptation starring Edward Fox. The roles have been reimagined for contemporary audiences.
What is Bianca Pullman’s professional background?
Bianca Pullman serves as an MI6 Section 303 agent and former police firearms expert. Her character grapples with marital estrangement from husband Paul and motherhood to daughter Jasmine.
How many episodes comprise the first season?
The inaugural season consists of ten episodes, all released via Sky Atlantic and NOW in November 2024. Each episode advances the Jackal’s assassination plot and Bianca’s investigation.
Are there plans for international streaming?
Whilst UK distribution is confirmed through Sky Atlantic and NOW, international arrangements remain under negotiation. The series’ co-production nature suggests availability through partner platforms in various territories.
Who portrays the Jackal’s wife?
Úrsula Corberó plays Nuria Gonzalez Martin, the Jackal’s Spanish wife, who remains unaware of his true identity as Alexander Duggan. She knows him by the alias Charles Calthrop.
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