From Reluctance to Revival: The Journey of "The Day of the Jackal" Reboot

The Original's Legacy The 1973 film "The Day of the Jackal," directed by Fred Zinnemann, is based on Frederick Forsyth's gripping novel. It tells the story of an assassin known only as the Jackal, who is hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle. Edward Fox's portrayal of the titular character has left an indelible mark on cinema, celebrated for its meticulous storytelling and tension-filled narrative. Neame's admiration for this classic is palpable, and it raises the question: can a reboot ever truly capture the essence of its predecessor? The Initial Resistance During a panel at the Content London conference, Neame revealed his initial reluctance to pursue the reboot. “It came up in a creative meeting before the pandemic, and I just immediately [said] ‘No, we’re not doing that. I love the movie, nope, we’re not,’” he stated. This reaction speaks volumes about the passion creators can feel for original works. Neame's attachment to the 1973 film highlights the emotional connection many fans and producers have with classic cinema, making the prospect of a reboot daunting. The Shift in Perspective Despite his initial reservations, Neame found himself reconsidering the reboot as discussions continued. His colleagues pointed out that Universal Pictures had the rights to the film, and it was lying dormant. “The [Universal Pictures] film group weren’t doing anything with ‘Day of the Jackal.’ It was a dormant piece,” Neame explained. This realization marked a turning point in his thinking. The integration of studio resources allowed for a fresh look at a beloved story, igniting a business imperative that could not be ignored. The Business Imperative As the entertainment industry evolves, the pressures of profitability and audience engagement often take precedence over artistic preferences. Neame’s journey is a testament to this reality. The reboot, which stars Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, is not just about reviving a classic; it’s about tapping into a market hungry for new content. “When you go to these studios and say, ‘Please can I have an option on this?’ they’re going to say no, but when you’re within the family, they will do it,” Neame noted, shedding light on the dynamics of studio relationships in today’s climate.