Milestone Years
- 15th Anniversary: March 1, 2028
- 20th Anniversary: March 1, 2033
- 25th Anniversary: March 1, 2038
Inspiration Behind the Movie
The film is a modern adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk and Jack the Giant Killer, incorporating elements from both fairy tales. Director Bryan Singer wanted to create a more grounded and action-packed version, while still embracing the whimsical magic of the original stories. The screenplay also drew inspiration from historical legends of giants in folklore.
You Might Not Know
- Motion-Capture Giants – The giants were brought to life using advanced motion-capture technology, with actor Bill Nighy providing the voice for the two-headed leader, General Fallon.
- Realistic Giantland – The film used a mix of CGI and massive practical sets to create the land of the giants, blending real locations with digital landscapes.
- Originally in 3D – The movie was shot with 3D technology in mind, enhancing the scale and depth of the giant battles.
- Delayed Release – Originally scheduled for a June 2012 release, the film was pushed back to February 2013 for additional visual effects work and re-editing.
- Giant Easter Egg – The film makes a subtle reference to The Princess Bride when Ewan McGregor’s character is captured in a similar fashion to Wesley in the 1987 classic.
Food Ideas
- Giant’s Feast Platter – Oversized turkey legs, roasted vegetables, and hearty bread to mimic a giant’s meal.
- Magic Bean Dip – A fun play on the magic beans, serve a variety of bean-based dips with chips.
- Cloud Cotton Candy – Representing the floating giant realm.
- Jack’s Beanstalk Cupcakes – Green-frosted cupcakes with candy vines climbing up the sides.
- Seven Bean Salad – Combine light and dark red kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, wax beans, pinto beans, and green beans, plus green pepper, onion, and celery in a large bowl with your favorite dressing.
Release Date: March 1, 2013
Summary:
Jack the Giant Slayer is a fantasy adventure that reimagines the classic “Jack and the Beanstalk” tale. When a young farmhand, Jack, unwittingly opens a gateway between the human world and the land of giants, an ancient war reignites. With a kingdom at stake and a princess to save, Jack must rise to the challenge and battle monstrous foes.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Fantasy, Adventure, PG-13
Key Cast Members:
- Nicholas Hoult as Jack
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Princess Isabelle
- Ewan McGregor as Elmont
- Stanley Tucci as Lord Roderick
- Ian McShane as King Brahmwell
- Bill Nighy as General Fallon (voice)
Ways to Celebrate
- Create a Beanstalk Craft – Use green paper to make a growing beanstalk while watching.
- Dress as Medieval Royalty – Have a themed viewing party with knight, princess, and giant costumes.
- Play a “Spot the Fairy Tale Elements” Game – Count all the fairy tale references throughout the movie.
Filming Locations
- Puzzlewood, England – The enchanted forest scenes were filmed in this iconic woodland, which has also been featured in Star Wars and Harry Potter.
- Norwich Cathedral, UK – Used for some of the castle interiors, adding to the medieval feel of the movie.
- Wales – Some outdoor sequences were shot in the rugged landscapes of Wales, providing a natural and mythical setting.