Bruce Willis‘ iconic assassin role in “The Jackal” is now available for free streaming on Tubi, marking a significant addition to the platform’s thriller catalog. Originally released in 1997, “The Jackal” has been quietly integrated into Tubi’s collection on April 1. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones and scripted by Chuck Pfarrer, the film is a modern adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel, “The Day of the Jackal”.
Bruce Willis stars as the infamous Jackal, drawing viewers into a suspenseful narrative where his character is hunted by FBI Deputy Director Carter Preston, played by Sidney Poitier, and Richard Gere‘s Declan Joseph Mulqueen, an IRA sniper. As the Jackal endeavors to eliminate a high-ranking U.S. government official, the film features a stellar cast, including J. K. Simmons, Jack Black, Leslie Phillips, and Mathilda May, to enhance its dramatic appeal.
Upon its initial release, “The Jackal” received lukewarm reviews from critics, largely criticized for its sluggish pace and clumsy storytelling. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low rating of 24% based on 33 critical reviews, contrasted by a somewhat higher user-generated score of 51%. Despite these critiques, the film performed admirably at the box office, grossing just under $160 million against a production budget of $60 million.
This resurgence of interest around Bruce Willis’ role is timely, as the latest adaptation of “The Day of the Jackal” from Sky Studios, Universal International, and Carnival Film and Television introduces Eddie Redmayne as the new anti-heroic assassin. This new iteration has been praised, with a highly anticipated second season expected in 2026.
Moreover, the storytelling expands upon the exploits of the Jackal as they elude MI6 and other agencies, executing seemingly impossible assassinations. The series features Lashana Lynch as a determined MI6 agent, Ursula Corberó as the Jackal’s spouse, and Charles Dance as the antagonist’s employer, contributing to a rich narrative landscape.
Bruce Willis’ performance in “The Jackal,” now accessible to a wider audience via Tubi, underscores his enduring impact on the thriller genre. For those drawn to suspenseful storytelling and iconic portrayals, this opportunity to experience Willis’ engrossing depiction anew is both exciting and significant. As Tubi continues to expand its offerings, the inclusion of such a film demonstrates the platform’s dedication to bringing classic thrillers to new viewers, and with it, a renewed appreciation for Willis’ memorable role.
