Jack the Giant Slayer might be about beating up oversized ogres but it failed to smash the box office when it was released in the US. But now Jack and his beanstalk are going back to their roots in Europe to see if they can find gold.

The fairytale adaptation is the brainchild of Bryan Singer and has Nicholas Hoult in his first lead role in a Hollywood blockbuster.

SOUNDBITE: Director, Bryan Singer, saying (English):

"I saw tonnes of guys, tonnes of guys and in the end I put Nick up and said look, he's the best. He's got charisma, he's got charm, he's funny, and I think he'll be the right Jack."

SOUNDBITE: Actor, Stanley Tucci, saying (English):

"He's a very committed professional young actor and he has an ease with it I never had at his age."

SOUNDBITE: Actor, Ewan McGregor, saying (English):

"He's really good, really good."

Hoult's leading lady and convenient damsel in distress is Eleanor Tomlinson. The pair had to audition together