LONDON — Lashana Lynch found herself evading roles tied to espionage after her standout performance as Nomi in 2021’s “No Time To Die.” The prospect of taking on another character associated with the secret service was less than appealing for her. Lynch reflected, “I thought, ‘No, I can’t do that again. That’s a legacy role that should remain untouched forever.’” However, she had a change of heart upon discovering the character of Bianca Pullman in a new television adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s iconic thriller, “The Day of the Jackal.” Although Bianca is also affiliated with Britain’s intelligence agency, her chaotic persona offered Lynch a refreshing character to explore, contrasting with the polished Nomi. “I had resisted this world for a long time, and then it just seemed to come at me full throttle,” she explained.
Eddie Redmayne, who portrays the titular Jackal, a mythical assassin, expressed his enthusiasm about Lynch joining the project, praising her exceptional versatility. He noted that she even picked an ideal song for the series theme—Celeste’s “This Is Who I Am.” The new iteration of “The Day of the Jackal” pays homage to Fred Zinnemann’s 1973 film, which featured Edward Fox as the elegant assassin tasked with eliminating the French president.
In this modern version, Redmayne’s character retains a gentlemanly demeanor reminiscent of Fox, leading a luxurious life funded by his successful operations of murder, clever adjustments, and masterful deceptions. Bianca, on the other hand, serves as the intelligence officer and weapons specialist determined to track down the Jackal, often troubling her colleagues and family in the process.
Both Lynch and Redmayne are also producers on the series, currently airing on Sky in the U.K. and set to debut on Peacock. Although their filming schedules kept them apart, their occasional encounters in makeup, the gym, and during this interview fostered a connection.
During a conversation with the media, the duo discussed their experiences on the project. Redmayne remarked on the oddity of portraying two interconnected characters while spending minimal time with Lynch. “It felt strange to be so linked to another character yet not have ample time with the actor. However, the fleeting moments we shared were genuinely special,” he noted.
Lynch humorously interjected, “We won’t divulge what those moments were.”
Reflecting on his unique character transformation involving prosthetics, Redmayne shared, “The prosthetic application is such a lengthy process. It’s not instantaneous—there are layers of change. The oddest moments emerged when I’d remove my costume to reveal an old German caretaker face atop my somewhat frail 40-year-old body. It felt jarring and strange.”
The conversation then shifted to the ethical dimensions of their characters. Lynch noted that the series adeptly blurs moral lines, intriguing the audience. She praised writer Ronan Bennett for creating a narrative where viewers find themselves empathizing with both Bianca and the Jackal, despite their actions. “Every episode has you hoping for Bianca while the Jackal makes a twisted kind of sense. You find yourself wanting to be him, which is quite telling,” she explained.
Surprisingly, the pair did not undergo gun training together, although they did participate in spy training that involved observing and tracking people inconspicuously in Covent Garden. Lynch clarified, “This wasn’t about watching random civilians. We were instructed to monitor specific individuals.”
Redmayne chimed in, recalling that he had heard of similar training focused on espionage in other projects. The playful banter continued as Lynch humorously disagreed with Redmayne’s assumption that she excelled in their training.
Ultimately, both actors shared a lighthearted rapport while reflecting on their distinctive experiences crafting their characters for “The Day of the Jackal,” illustrating the fascinating dynamics that come with combining artistry and ambition behind the scenes.
