Ewan McGregor, best known for his portrayal of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the iconic Star Wars films, is experiencing a resurgence thanks to streaming platforms. Following his role in the prequel trilogy, McGregor starred in a limited series on Disney+ in 2022, further solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. Beyond the universe of Jedi battles, he also took on the titular character in the heartwarming Christopher Robin (2018) and played Lumière in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (2017).
In addition to fantasy, McGregor has shown versatility with appearances in critically acclaimed films such as Moulin Rouge!, Birds of Prey, and Doctor Sleep. He also made notable contributions to television, particularly with his performance in Fargo season 3, where he took on dual roles as Ray and Emmit Stussy, earning a Golden Globe for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.
Jack the Giant Slayer: Rising in the Netflix Charts
McGregor in an Action-Packed Fairytale
In 2013, McGregor took on the role of Elmont in Jack the Giant Slayer, a spirited action-adventure film where he defends the kingdom of Cloister against menacing giants. His character becomes allied with the young peasant Jack, played by Nicholas Hoult, in a quest to rescue Princess Isabel (Eleanor Tomlinson) after her capture by the giants. Joining the formidable cast are Stanley Tucci and Ian McShane, with Bill Nighy lending his voice to General Fallon, the leader of the giants. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has found new life on streaming platforms.
Recently, Netflix has given Jack the Giant Slayer a notable boost in visibility. As of April 6, the film has climbed to #7 in the U.S. Netflix daily Top 10 chart. Despite its $197 million production budget, which classified it as a box office disappointment, its current success on streaming platforms places it ahead of titles such as Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, with One of Them Days taking the top spot for the day.
Analyzing Jack The Giant Slayer’s Netflix Performance
Nicholas Hoult’s Recent Success Might Be Influencing Viewership
While Jack the Giant Slayer initially faced criticism regarding its narrative and visual effects, the film’s cast has received much-deserved acclaim. Ewan McGregor’s dynamic performance, coupled with Nicholas Hoult’s impressive acting, has generated interest in the film anew. Hoult, who currently boasts a strong portfolio with projects like Juror No. 2 and Nosferatu, is also part of the much-anticipated Superman film. This resurgence in his popularity may well be contributing to the renewed interest in Jack the Giant Slayer.
Source: Netflix