Sky & Peacock Order The Day of the Jackal Adaptation

Sky and Peacock have ordered a series adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s thriller The Day of the Jackal from Carnival Films, part of Universal International Studios, in association with Sky Studios.

The series will offer a contemporary reimagining of the novel and its 1973 film adaptation, delving deeper into the anti-hero of the story and set amid the geo-political landscape of today.

Irish screenwriter Ronan Bennett (Top Boy, Public Enemies) is attached to write and showrun, while Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones, Luther) is set to direct.

Production on The Day of the Jackal is scheduled to begin next summer, with Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant executive producing for Carnival Films. Forsyth will serve as consulting producer, while Christopher Hall will be a producer.

The adaptation will be available on Peacock in the U.S. and on Sky in the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales.

“It is 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 the much admired and remembered Fred Zinnemann movie,” said Carnival Films’ Neame. “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 at Sky Studios U.K. and Ireland, added, “The Day of the Jackal is a timeless international espionage thriller that is beloved the world over. Ronan’s propulsive storytelling will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and we cannot wait to bring this premium, cinematic, globe-trotting series to Sky audiences across Europe.”