LOS ANGELES — Fee-fi-fo-fum — Hollywood smells the blood of a box-office bum.
Bryan Singer’s nearly $200 million production of “Jack the Giant Slayer” is set to debut with a disappointing $25 million this weekend, according to those who have seen pre-release audience surveys. The 3-D fantasy adventure, which stars newcomer Nicholas Hoult, has received generally positive reviews but has not attracted nearly the kind of moviegoer interest that it needs to become a domestic hit.
No new release is poised to make a major splash at theaters this weekend. “21 & Over,” the R-rated teen comedy from the writers of “The Hangover,” is likely to start with a decent $15 million. The low-budget horror sequel “The Last Exorcism Part II” could take in a so-so $10 million on its first weekend, while the Cold War thriller “Phantom” will probably tank with a dismal $2 million.
Based on the classic fairy tale, “Jack the Giant Slayer” centers on a young farmhand caught in a war with an army of giants. Co-financed by Warner Bros.’ New Line division and Legendary Pictures for roughly $190 million, the movie required costly special effects and a 100-day shoot outside London in 2011.
The film was originally set for release in June but was postponed because the filmmakers needed more time to complete the digital effects.
Even if the picture generates strong word of mouth, it will have to face off against another family film next weekend — “Oz: The Great and Powerful” — which may have a massive opening of at least $75 million.