Ewan McGregor, renowned for his versatile roles in iconic movies and series, has now admitted to an unpleasant filming experience, confessing he hated working on one particular project. The revelation emerged during a candid moment on a podcast, throwing fans into speculation as they attempt to identify the film that resulted in Ewan McGregor’s hated movie experience.
McGregor’s Notable Career and Mixed Experiences
Ewan McGregor’s career spans celebrated films such as Trainspotting, where he played Mark ‘Rent Boy’ Renton under the direction of Danny Boyle, embodying a gritty, rebellious take on 1990s British cinema. Over time, he earned praise for a range of performances, including Black Hawk Down, the horror sequel Doctor Sleep, and even reprising his role in Trainspotting 2. His ventures into television also brought acclaim, earning an Emmy nomination for his role in Fargo, further establishing his reputation across different mediums.
Despite these successes, McGregor’s journey has involved its share of difficulties. As Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels, his performance became a highlight even though the trilogy’s reputation has fluctuated. Other projects, like the 2015 film Mortdecai—where he acted opposite Johnny Depp as a police officer—failed commercially and critically. Even in his portrayal of Frank Churchill in the 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, McGregor openly critiqued his own performance, although he made clear he blamed himself and not the film.
A Troubling Film Experience Comes to Light
During a conversation on the Dish podcast, the Moulin Rouge! actor recounted a troubling period while filming in London in 2012. While discussing his passion for bagpipes, McGregor’s conversation turned to a film experience he’d rather forget.
“I was now making another film in London, which I won’t name ’cause I hated it,”
he said, slyly. —Ewan McGregor
“I never, never even watched it, it’s a rubbish film”
—Ewan McGregor
Though McGregor refused to disclose the title, he hinted that careful fans could deduce the film if they examined his body of work. During the same podcast conversation, he clarified,
“It wasn’t Salmon Fishing [in the Yemen],”
and assured listeners,
“I loved Salmon Fishing. That was a lovely film”
—Ewan McGregor. This information ruled out one of his more warmly remembered films, which also brought him a Golden Globe nomination, and shifted focus to the rest of his 2012 filmography.
Searching for the Disliked Title: Fan Speculation Builds
With Salmon Fishing in the Yemen eliminated as the culprit, scrutiny turned toward McGregor’s other projects from that period. One film notably stands out: Jack the Giant Slayer, released in early 2013 but shot around the relevant time. In this adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, McGregor acted alongside Nicholas Hoult, portraying a fantastical story with heavy computer-generated effects and a tone similar to other adult fairy tale adaptations like Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.
The film’s mixed reviews and lack of connection with audiences tracked closely with the pointed criticism McGregor hinted at in the podcast. Shot in the UK and often described as underwhelming, Jack the Giant Slayer’s production details appear to match the clues he dropped. While fans continue to parse his statements, many have concluded that this fantasy movie likely marks the source of McGregor’s discomfort, rather than other titles like The Impossible, which was also released nearby on the calendar.
The Ongoing Mystery and Career Reflection
Though McGregor has yet to confirm the title, eager followers and film analysts repeatedly point to Jack the Giant Slayer based on timeline, location, and his pointed comments. This revelation offers a rare look into the challenges faced even by a decorated actor when tackling projects that ultimately fall short of expectations or personal satisfaction. As fans continue to debate and reflect on his diverse filmography, McGregor’s candid admissions reinforce the genuine experiences behind even the brightest moments in cinema.
