Award-winning actress Catherine zeta-Jones ⁤is set to dominate the small screen ⁢once again with her latest high-profile project. The renowned star, ​celebrated with accolades including an Oscar, BAFTA, and Tony Award, is both producing ⁣and starring in the upcoming television adaptation of‌ Aidan Truhen’s “gonzo thriller”
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The Price You Pay. This groundbreaking series, tentatively titled Kill Jackie, reimagines the novel’s ‍original‌ protagonist ⁢by transforming the lead character from​ Jack to Jackie, infusing ⁢the narrative with a ‍fresh, empowering twist.
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⁣ The project is a collaborative effort‍ produced ⁤for Prime Video, Fremantle, and Steel Springs Pictures. In ‌a strategic move reflective of today’s ⁤dynamic global media landscape, streaming service Amazon has secured distribution rights for multiple European territories including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, ‍while Fremantle retains worldwide distribution outside the ‍U.S. This innovative ⁤financial and distribution model mirrors other creative arrangements in the industry, offering a blueprint⁢ for ⁣balancing global⁤ market interests in today’s entertainment milieu.
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In Kill Jackie,⁢ Catherine Zeta-Jones portrays Jackie Price—a character who has led a high-octane life marked by wealth and clandestine danger. For the ⁣past 20 years, ‍Jackie ‌has lived lavishly, traveling around the globe, dealing in fine art transactions via sophisticated tax loopholes, and maintaining her anonymity after escaping a perilous past as an international cocaine dealer. though, as her life begins to⁤ settle ‍into a agreeable rhythm, a dramatic‍ twist unfolds: Jackie comes to learn that a notorious squad of hitmen known as The Seven Demons has been hired ⁣to end her life. The series will bring this suspenseful narrative ‌to life through shooting locations spanning Bilbao, Lisbon, London,⁣ and Swansea, adding an international flavor‌ that resonates with U.S. audiences familiar with cross-continental ‍crime dramas.
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⁤ The creative⁤ minds behind Kill Jackie ‌include respected figures from television drama. With contributions by Tom Butterworth and Conor Keane—one of the writers behind the hit series​ gangs of London—and the directorial⁤ prowess of Damon Thomas, whose work includes ​ Killing Eve, the production promises a blend of humor, darkness, and frenetic energy. The project adapts the complexities of Truhen’s narrative,originally published in 2018 under the pseudonym ‍Nick‍ Harkaway.It is notable that Harkaway’s ‍late disclosure of his true identity,following ⁢years of mystery,mirrors ‌the thematic twists ‍that ⁤define this amazing adaptation.
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Reflecting on the ambition behind⁤ the series, Tom Butterworth remarked in ⁢a statement:
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⁣ “Our ambition is to twist⁤ and expand his world into something equally funny, dark, crazed and unique. or ⁤die trying.”
– Tom Butterworth

‌ ⁤ ‌ ⁣ For‌ U.S. readers, this project is of particular interest as it demonstrates the increasing trend of international storytelling and distribution that parallels prosperous domestic ⁢ventures ‌such as the hit series on streaming platforms. Catherine Zeta-Jones, who won an Oscar for her⁣ memorable performance in Chicago, recently appeared in Disney+’s National Treasure:​ Edge of History and‍ took on a striking role as Wednesday Addams’ mother in⁣ a Netflix smash. Additionally, after nearly a decade away from movies, she is set to feature in ‍Cathy Yan’s highly anticipated ‌film, The Gallerist.

⁢ ⁤ ‌zeta-Jones commented enthusiastically about her role in the​ new ​series: I’m thrilled to be ​a‍ part of Kill Jackie (w/t) both behind and in⁤ front ⁢of the camera.‍ The prospect to bring this multifaceted character to life, and explore a female driven plot that encompasses empowerment, identity, and redemption is something I’m looking forward to.

⁤ ⁢ The innovative distribution strategy behind Kill Jackie is generating ⁢considerable⁢ buzz in entertainment circles. ⁤Similar to the model employed in the ​Jesse Williams-starrer​ Costiera, the project sees Prime Video and ‌Fremantle adopting a territory-based approach that could ⁣set new industry standards. Spearheaded by⁤ Fremantle’s Jamie Lynn and brokered‌ by ⁤industry ⁣veterans Rebecca Dundon and Fran⁣ Denny, this model ⁢ensures ​both creative autonomy and financial viability ⁣in an‌ ever-competitive market.

‌ Christian Vesper, Fremantle’s global drama and film chief,⁢ encapsulated the energy of​ the project when he described Kill Jackie as an “irreverent and contemporary thriller, which is all at once dramatic, escapist and darkly comedic.” he ⁢further elaborated, “Catherine Zeta-jones‌ shines as Jackie, and together with our incredible creative team, twisting storyline and elaborate international⁢ backdrop, I’ve no doubt audiences all over ⁢the⁤ world are going to be hooked.”

‍ ⁤ ⁣Adding further outlook, Peter Lawson of Steel Springs highlighted⁣ the creative team’s collective vision, stating:
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“When I first ⁣got my hands on Nick’s novel, I knew this project needed a team ‌of creatives who shared a dark sense of humour and a touch‍ of‌ madness to bring this crime caper to life. We’re thrilled to have found ‍that in the captivating creative force of Catherine Zeta-Jones, the character-driven hilarity ‍of writer Conor Keane and showrunner Tom butterworth, and the⁣ sure-handed brilliance of director Damon Thomas.”
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– Peter Lawson

For U.S. ‌viewers, ⁤ Kill Jackie represents more than just another television⁢ series; it is a convergence of international production expertise with culturally resonant storytelling. With the promise of high-stakes drama ‌intertwined with dark comedy, the series is poised to attract audiences who have enjoyed groundbreaking narratives⁤ like those featured in hit U.S. television shows. This series ⁣also invites further exploration into themes of redemption and reinvention,which are‍ increasingly relevant ⁤in today’s cultural landscape.
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‍ As production gears up with cameras set‌ to ⁤roll⁢ next month in varied and visually striking locations, industry insiders and fans alike are keenly watching⁢ what promises to be one​ of the most audacious‍ and stylistically unique thrillers ⁤of the year. The project not only highlights an evolution in character portrayal but also reflects the shifting ⁢paradigms of global ⁤media production that increasingly affect content consumption in the United States.