Understanding Why Eddie Redmayne’s Character Is Known as “The Jackal” in The Day Of The Jackal

The much-anticipated first season of The Day of the Jackal (2024) has concluded, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. While the season finale wove together numerous plot threads, one intriguing enigma continues to baffle fans: the origins of the Jackal’s codename. This series is a modern retelling of the classic 1973 film and the novel that laid the groundwork, but it introduces significant narrative shifts, including a fresh new setting.

Throughout the series, the enigmatic assassin known as the Jackal, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, adopts various names and aliases. While he uses numerous identities, the moniker “Jackal”consistently resonates, becoming a pivotal point of recognition for organizations such as MI6 and prospective clients. However, the show leaves viewers questioning the roots of this codename, leaving an air of mystery enveloping the character.

The Jackal’s Codename: A Study in Symbolism

Unpacking the Symbolism of “Jackal”

Edward Fox in The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Scene from The Day of the Jackal Season 1

In a notable scene, Zina, a character aiming to enlist the Jackal’s services for a group of billionaires, assigns a codename to the target: Rodin. When she inquires about the Jackal’s codename, he playfully responds, “Jackal.”As the plot unfolds, the name “Jackal”notably appears on an army truck during his time in the British Army, suggesting a connection, albeit not necessarily a personal one. The series leaves the origins of this codename somewhat ambiguous, yet the source material—a novel—provides additional context.

The book delves deeper into the meaning of the name “Jackal,”revealing its intricate layers. Firstly, the term refers to a small predatory animal found in Asia and Africa, recognized for its cunning hunting capabilities. Alternatively, “jackal”can denote a person tasked with performing menial or degrading jobs. Additionally, in various cultural contexts, jackals symbolize impending danger or trouble. Collectively, these aspects effectively encapsulate the character, establishing “Jackal”as a fitting codename.

Revealing the True Identity of the Jackal

A Complex Identity Behind the Moniker

While “Jackal”serves as a fascinator codename, the true identity of the man behind it is even more enigmatic. To his wife Nuria and son, he’s known as Charles Calthorp, a wealthy businessman. However, he operates under a plethora of alternate names to mask his true self. According to the narrative, his original name appears to be Alexander Duggan—a name bestowed upon him by the British Army and peers prior to embarking on his freelance mercenary career.

According to official records, Alexander Duggan is presumed dead, having lost his life in Afghanistan along with his unit due to a landmine incident. In reality, Duggan engineered his own demise, becoming increasingly disillusioned with military life and the morally ambiguous situations he encountered. Given the choice, it seems he prefers his identity as Charles Calthorp, having built a family under this name—though he still harnesses a range of other aliases in his operations throughout The Day of the Jackal.

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