The actor tells PEOPLE that being able to "subvert people's expectations" with this role has been "thrilling" Warning: this post contains spoilers for The Day of the Jackal. Eddie Redmayne knew that there was a lot riding on The Day of the Jackal.

This story contains major spoilers from the finale of The Day of the Jackal.] Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne says he was initially reluctant to join The Day of the Jackal when he was first approached. "I loved the original movie and the Frederick Forsyth book.

Ahead of the two-part finale’s release, Redmayne and the series received Critics Choice and Golden Globe nominations for best actor and drama, and the actor was “thrilled” to see the show be recognized so soon.