Pulp's Captivating Cover of Johnny Cash's 'The Man Comes Around' for The Hack Drama Series

Pulp has released a captivating cover of Johnny Cash's 'The Man Comes Around' for The Hack drama series. The band's rendition of the classic Cash song offers a unique and ambient twist, with Jarvis Cocker's vocals taking on a spoken-word style. The track was featured in a crucial moment in the series, symbolizing judgment and reckoning in the context of the phone hacking scandal and the case of Milly Dowler's murder.
Director Lewis Arnold specifically chose the song to underscore the pivotal moment in The Hack, opting for a cover by a British artist to better suit the series. Screenwriter Jack Thorne, a self-proclaimed fan of Cocker, pushed for the Pulp frontman's involvement in the soundtrack, citing him as a musical hero. The drama series, set between 2002 and 2012, follows investigative journalist Nick Davies' efforts to uncover phone hacking at a British newspaper, portrayed by David Tennant.
Pulp's cover of 'The Man Comes Around' coincides with their recent announcement of a headline show at Manchester's Wythenshawe Park next summer and their headlining slot at End Of The Road 2026. The band's latest album, 'More', released earlier this year, garnered critical acclaim and earned them a spot on the Mercury Prize shortlist. Additionally, Jarvis Cocker is set to host a festive special on BBC Radio 6 Music next month, adding to the band's recent string of successes.