Catherine Zeta-Jones Says She Was ‘Adamant’ About “Kill Jackie” Making This Major Change from the Book (Exclusive)

Catherine Zeta-Jones Takes Centre Stage in ‘Kill Jackie’ as She Delves into Complex Character Dynamics

Catherine Zeta-Jones is embarking on a thrilling new journey in the AMC+ series ‘Kill Jackie’, where she plays the part of Jackie Price, a powerful art dealer with a dark history. The drama is a loose adaptation of Nick Harkaway’s novel, ‘The Price You Pay’, and surprises viewers with significant narrative shifts that bring fresh perspectives to the story.

Zeta-Jones, who also serves as a producer on the series, expressed her strong desire to uncover Jackie’s background and her motivations. “I was adamant that we needed to find out who [Jackie] really was and where she came from,” Zeta-Jones stated in an interview with PEOPLE. Her determination to enrich Jackie’s character was influential in the creative process, ensuring that her journey was not just about action but also about emotional depth.

The plot of ‘Kill Jackie’ sees Jackie facing off against notorious assassins, dubbed the Seven Demons, who threaten her safety. This gripping narrative takes her across Europe in a desperate bid to eliminate this lethal band. However, amidst the chaos, Jackie stumbles upon an unexpected and life-altering revelation when she returns to her roots in Swansea, Wales — her hometown, and that of Zeta-Jones herself.

In a pivotal moment during the fifth episode, Jackie confronts a chilling twist when she is captured alongside her father by a group of young delinquents. It is during this harrowing incident that Jackie learns her captor, Gwen, played by Darci Shaw, is her estranged daughter — a poignant narrative alteration from the book where the protagonist, Jack Price, is childless.

Zeta-Jones explained the decision to introduce this familial connection, stating, “With all the craziness that goes on and the high-octane action and the pace of the show, it was essential to discover Jackie’s roots and past traumas.” The actress elaborated on how this backstory adds layers to Jackie’s character, providing insight into the pain and motivation behind her actions.

“It grounds her. It makes her real,” Zeta-Jones said of Jackie’s character development after the reveal. “When you see real emotion, it changes everything.” By integrating the aspect of motherhood into the narrative, the series offers viewers a chance to engage with Jackie on a more human level, allowing them to understand the complexities of her life choices.

The excitement of working on ‘Kill Jackie’ stems from the unique world it presents. Zeta-Jones describes the experience as an opportunity to explore new boundaries within a dramatic framework. “I was at the grassroots of creating the scripts, which turned out to be so much fun,” she shared, indicating her deep connection to the character and the story.

Prior to taking on the role, Zeta-Jones noted that when she first read ‘The Price You Pay’, she could envision the narrative as a series. She highlighted the novelty of having a female lead in a genre where typically, male characters dominate similar storylines. “These kinds of series or films usually have male protagonists in high-stakes scenarios,” she commented, asserting that this refreshing take on the genre is what drew her to the project.

The actress emphasised the importance of portraying strength and vulnerability through Jackie’s character. “To be in this much trouble and face such incredible odds as a woman is a fascinating shift,” she articulated, hinting at a broader commentary within the show regarding representation in action narratives.

As ‘Kill Jackie’ unfolds and new episodes are released every Friday on AMC+, fans eagerly anticipate how Jackie’s journey will continue to evolve. Zeta-Jones’s commitment to exploring the character’s darker facets promises an elaborate storyline filled with both tension and emotional depth, making this action-packed drama one to watch.