 Michael Caine (I) (qv) lobbied for the role of "The Jackal", but  director Fred Zinnemann (qv) did not want a movie star in the role  as he thought that using a recognizable face such as Caines in the  role of a man who essentially is and remains a cipher would reduce  the suspense felt by the audience. Thus, Zinneman offered the role  to the lesser known Edward Fox (I) (qv), a move he reportedly  regretted when the movie did disappointing business at the box  office.