Eddie Redmayne, currently starring in “The Day of the Jackal,” expresses admiration for HBO’s “The White Lotus” but opts out of auditioning, fearing he might ruin it. He humorously critiques the idea of being topless on screen due to his insecurities. Redmayne’s journey with “Jackal” began as he was performing in “Cabaret,” an experience that inspired his interest in a series about an actor-spy. He finds joy in observing various performers take on the Emcee role. His experience in theater helps him embrace adaptations, noting a supportive tradition among actors.
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While Eddie Redmayne is currently featured in “The Day of the Jackal,” one of this year’s standout new shows, he still manages to catch noteworthy television series like the popular HBO sensation “The White Lotus.” However, the Oscar-winning actor is not considering a role in an upcoming season.
“I’m too anxious about ruining the things I admire,” he shares with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast. “There are certain shows you don’t want to see yourself in because you fear it might spoil them.” Even the show’s stunning filming locations aren’t enough to sway him. “You may think that, but you also have to be bare for most of it. And if you’re as pale and freckled as I am… I just don’t believe the world needs to see my ghostly physique.”
In this episode, Redmayne reflects on what attracted him to that Peacock series. Additionally, the Roundtable comes from New York, where Mike and Clayton discuss the week’s TV upfront presentations – including Warner Bros. Discovery’s choice to revert “HBO Max” back to Max, and what Lady Gaga was doing at the YouTube upfront event. Tune in below!
“Jackal” has already earned Redmayne nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and SAG Awards. The spy thriller, based on the Frederick Forsyth novel, was adapted into a 1973 film featuring Edward Fox as the eponymous assassin. Redmayne grew up watching the film and, as previously mentioned, hesitated to engage with something so beloved. However, after receiving the first three scripts from showrunner Ronan Bennett, he was swiftly persuaded.
The actor mentions that, having started in theater, he was somewhat familiar with taking on roles previously portrayed by others – such as in the film adaptation of “Les Misérables” or his recent, Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated performance as the Emcee in “Cabaret,” which he regards as the role that “initiated my acting career.”
Reinterpreting a role is part of a rich tradition in theater. “It’s akin to whenever you portray a Shakespeare part, right?” he comments. “I performed ‘Richard II’ at the Donmar Warehouse, and there was literally a ‘Richard II’ seat designated for all the other actors who had played Richard – Ian McKellan, Derek Jacobi, Ben Whishaw – would sit there. It always felt like, ‘Oh boy, here comes another icon!’”
Now, Redmayne finds himself in a similar position as a producer on “Cabaret,” which continues its runs on both Broadway and the West End. He often returns to see various performers, from Billy Porter to Mason Alexander Park.
“I’ve relished going back to watch them all,” he stated. “Observing how each diverse Emcee and Sally injects their unique individuality and charisma into the role.”
Redmayne himself received significant attention when he performed the opening number at last year’s Tony Awards, allowing viewers to see the eerie, puppet-like Emcee up close. One viewer described him as “my sleep paralysis demon,” highlighting the unsettling nature of the character.
“I’m not sure if that was intended as a compliment, but I took it as such,” Redmayne shares. “I envisioned him as a grotesque figure, meant to evoke an uncanny and uncomfortable feeling. He had a sort of puppeteering essence – was he the puppet or the puppeteer?”
It was during Redmayne’s run in “Cabaret” in London that “Jackal” came to him – with impeccable timing, as he had been contemplating a series idea.
“One strange aspect of performing in theater is that each night, extraordinary individuals – politicians, members of the Royal Family, or fellow actors – would come to see the show, and you’d get to meet them,” he recalls. “I thought, wouldn’t it be fascinating to have an actor who was also a spy, living in plain sight? Someone with access to all these influential figures. It was an idea that was brewing, and then this opportunity presented itself.” Redmayne describes the role as “an actor’s dream,” emphasizing “all the elements we adore – altering your voice, adopting accents and languages, transforming your appearance – it encompasses everything.”
Of all the notable figures who visited him backstage, he was most surprised when Janet Jackson appeared in his dressing room, sharing that he and the cast were “utterly captivated.” He adds, “I find her to be such an inspiring performer, and I was in awe that she loved the show and continued to return.”
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley, and Michael Schneider – who also produces – is your go-to source for engaging discussions about excellence in film and television. Each episode features interviews with leading film and TV talent, conversations about award races, industry news, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you access podcasts.