Day of the Jackal’s Úrsula Corberó had early doubts about role: “She’s weak”

As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that the upcoming remake of “The Day of the Jackal” has piqued my interest in an unusual way. The character Nuria, played by the talented Úrsula Corberó, is not your typical damsel in distress or trophy wife, but rather a complex, multi-dimensional woman who grapples with the harsh realities of her husband’s hidden world.


Actress Úrsula Corberó, known for “The Day of the Jackal,” has shared that she originally harbored some doubts about taking on her part in the suspenseful spy series.

In this updated take on Frederick Forsyth’s novel, which was earlier brought to life on screen in 1973, a ten-part thriller unfolds. It portrays the intricate chase between MI6 operative Bianca (played by Lashana Lynch) and a ruthless assassin called the Jackal (portrayed by Eddie Redmayne). Both are engaged in a game of hide-and-seek, each trying to outsmart the other.

Instead of sticking to the original and previous renditions, this telling of the tale introduces a unique twist: The Jackal is depicted as having a clandestine spouse and offspring, who live discreetly within an opulent mansion nestled in sunny Spain.

In the story, Corbero portrays the character of Nuria, a woman who is not only his devoted spouse but also the mother of their child. Initially, she remains oblivious to the genuine essence of his profession, even though he has put in great efforts to maintain their life discreetly.

As I looked over the first three episodes, a Zoom call with the producers ensued, leaving me puzzled and thinking aloud, ‘Fellows, I’m not sure what role I play here – it seems misplaced.’ This was my recollection of our conversation.

Since I had only seen three installments, my initial thoughts were that “she seems weak and more like a decorative spouse. I couldn’t see her having much significance.

She went on saying: “Then, I pondered deeply, and realized ‘Ah, Ursula, this character is unlike any you’ve portrayed in the past.’

Additionally, consider developing the character with a robust initial persona. As the story unfolds and she discovers something amiss, her inner strength emerges more distinctly, which could create an intriguing journey for the character.

Day of the Jackal’s Úrsula Corberó had early doubts about role: “She’s weak”

In the end, Corberó found herself drawn to the later script drafts for the show, where her character faces shocking disclosures and gets progressively nearer to discovering the real identity of her spouse.

Corbero stated: “I appreciate that she’s both fragile yet powerful – I believe we all share that quality.

Strength doesn’t exclude vulnerability, and vulnerability doesn’t preclude strength. In this role, I feel like I’ve portrayed a very human character, and that’s quite intriguing.

This remake of “The Day of the Jackal” boasts an impressive cast that includes stars from “Game of Thrones,” such as Charles Dance and Richard Dormer, along with Chukwudi Iwuji who was in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.” Additionally, you’ll find Lia Williams, known for her roles in “Mr. Bates vs The Post Office,” and Eleanor Matsuura from “The Walking Dead” in this production as well.

The Day of the Jackal premieres on Sky Atlantic and NOW.

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2024-11-04 22:04