Why is the assassin in The Day of the Jackal called The Jackal? Meaning explained

The Day of the Jackal released in 2024, having revived the assassin from Frederick Forsyth’s novel and the 1973 film adaptation with fresh twists.

Eddie Redmayne played the mysterious assassin in the series, who goes by countless names to hide his real identity. However, one name stands out above all others: The Jackal.

Although the finale wrapped up most storylines, the reason behind this codename was still unclear. Why did this identity endure? Here’s an explanation behind the codename.

The Jackal’s codename

The assassin in The Day of the Jackal has multiple names. To his wife, Nuria, he is Charles Calthorp, a wealthy businessman and family man. In the British army, he was once known as Alexander Duggan, a soldier who was believed to have died in Afghanistan. Over the course of the series, he slips in and out of several other identities, always staying ahead of people trying to find him.

Despite this long list of disguises, one codename has lasted longer than the others. During a conversation with Zina, a woman trying to hire him for a group of billionaires, he is asked to pick a codename. With a smile, he responds simply.

“Jackal.”

Later, the word is found on a military truck he once rode in during his army service. This makes the origin of the name murky within the show.

The novel, however, provides clearer reasoning. Frederick Forsyth’s book explains that “jackal” carries multiple symbolic meanings, all of which align with the assassin’s character. In one way, it refers to hunting. A jackal is a small predator common in Asia and Africa, often seen as cunning and dangerous. These qualities are also reflected in the assassin’s methods, who is calculated, stealthy, and dangerous.

Looking at it from a different perspective, the word carries a negative connotation. Jackal can be used as an insult for someone who performs degrading, risky, or dirty work for others. This directly relates to the assassin’s role as a contract killer, taking on tasks that others cannot, will not, or do not want to perform.

Finally, jackals, for a long time, have been symbols of warning in various cultures. They are linked with omens of danger and signs of impending chaos. In this way, the codename represents how governments and agencies within The Day of the Jackal view him: as a sign of violence and instability.

Because of this layered meaning, the title is more than just a code name. It reflects every part of who he is: a hunter, mercenary, and troublemaker. While the show keeps the origins of the code name intentionally vague, the novel adds the depth that makes the code name resonate. This is probably why “The Jackal” has remained in use across versions, even when all his other identities fade into the background.

Ultimately, The Day of the Jackal shows that the assassin’s real name, whether Alexander Duggan, Charles Calthorp, or another alias, matters less than the codename. Jackal is the name that defines him, not only for his enemies but also for audiences, symbolizing the predator he has become.

The Day of the Jackal is streaming on Peacock.

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