In the fascinating world of espionage and secret organizations, ‘The King’s Man’ has etched a distinctive mark. Released in 2021, the movie provided an in-depth look into the roots of the world’s covert agency, revealing its inception. Surprisingly, the renowned director, Matthew Vaughn, disclosed during a recent New York Comic-Con interview with Maggie Lovitt that the acclaimed movie was initially planned as a television series. He shared, “The King’s Man was originally meant to be a TV series and I got persuaded to make it as a film. What we wanted to do was something like ‘The Crown’ but with espionage and a bit of a Kingsman hit going through all of the decades.”
The Prequel’s Unique Narrative and Reception
The story dives deep into the life of Orlando, played by Ralph Fiennes, an aristocrat who set up an intricate information network comprising people stationed near influential global political figures. Bound by a promise to his late wife to shield their son, Conrad, portrayed by Harris Dickinson, from the tragedies of war, Orlando sets out on a mission. Despite facing challenges, he strives to revolutionize the world via his espionage agency, laying the foundation for what audiences have come to adore in the original Kingsman series.
Taking place several decades prior to the iconic Eggsy’s (Taron Egerton) escapades, ‘The King’s Man’ distinguished itself from its predecessors. Without the luxury of modern-day tech tools at their disposal, characters like Harry Hart (Colin Firth) had to rely on sheer wit and skill. Despite the adverse effects of the pandemic on cinemas worldwide, the movie still garnered an impressive $126 million at the global box office.
What Lies Ahead for the Kingsman Franchise?
Vaughn didn’t stop at just discussing past achievements. The post-credits scene of ‘The King’s Man’ hints at an exhilarating future. Introducing David Kross as Adolf Hitler, Vaughn revealed the premise of the forthcoming storyline: “The next one it’s about the rise of Hitler, and how Hitler did come to power and basically was supported by the English aristocracy,” adding that the narrative has been penned down and it’s truly captivating. Expressing concerns over contemporary global events mirroring past histories, he emphasized the need for stories like these. He hinted at the title, ‘The Traitor King’, though he remains uncertain whether it would take the form of a series or a film.
As the world awaits the outcome of this decision, there’s more good news for fans. The third installment of Kingsman is on the horizon, and to top it off, Vaughn is also working on rejuvenating the Kick-Ass series.
In conclusion, the Kingsman universe is expanding, and with a director like Matthew Vaughn at its helm, the future looks promising. For more insights and exclusive details from Vaughn’s conversation with Lovitt, head over to Collider’s coverage of NYCC.