Bryan Singer (Valkyrie, The Usual Suspects, X-Men 1 and 2) is gearing up for his next feature Jack the Giant Killer, which begins production next month. We announced three villains in the form of Bill Nighy, Stanley Tucci, and John Kassir a few weeks ago. Then it was revealed Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy, Clash of the Titans, A Single Man) will play our lead.
THR now reports Ewan McGregor has joined the project as “leader of the king’s elite guard, who helps fight giants.” The actor has made some great acting choices as of late, impressing in Beginners, Perfect Sense and I Love You Phillip Morris. He also gave one of his best performances in Roman Polanski‘s The Ghost Writer earlier last year, and will be seen in Steven Soderbergh‘s Haywire his year.
With production starting soon, they still need to decide on a princess. It is reported Adelaide Kane (Power Rangers RPM) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Alice in Wonderland) have been thrown into the mix. Previously rumored actresses for the role also include Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Priest, Abduction) and Juno Temple (Year One, Greenberg, Atonement). Expect an announcement soon.
Jack the Giant Killer is “a scary revisionist take on the Jack and the Beanstalk mythology and Hoult will play a farmer who leads an expedition into the giants’ kingdom to rescue a kidnapped princess.”
In addition to being directed by Bryan Singer, the script has been written by Mark Bomback, Darren Lemke and Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie, a remake of the 1962 film of the same name. Production was delayed due to financing, but everything is back on track, with shooting set to begin in March. Financing comes from Warner Bros., New Line and Legendary Pictures.
What do you think about Ewan McGregor joining the project?