Aaron Johnson, who rose to fame in this spring’s hit action movie ‘Kick-Ass,’ is the forerunner to be cast as the title role in the upcoming ‘Jack the Giant Killer’. The news comes after Andrew Garfield, a relative unknown who recently gained recognition in the critical and box-office hit ‘The Social Network,’ had to turn down the part to appear in the ‘Spider Man’ reboot.

Bryan Singer, who is directing ‘Jack the Giant Killer,’ decided to look at Johnson after he also portrayed a young John Lennon in the recent ‘Nowhere Boy.’ However, New Line, the studio behind the movie, is still looking at other young actors. But an official decision is expected to be made soon, as production on the movie is expected to begin in the spring.

The movie is described as an adult take at ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’ A princess is kidnapped, therefore threatening the long-standing peace between men and giants. Jack, a young farmer, goes on the dangerous journey to rescue her in the giant kingdom.

Written by: Karen Benardello