[Update: Stanley Tucci andGame of Thronesactor Robert Aramayo have also joined the cast, per Deadline.]
No disrespect to any entertainment reporters across the pond, but when it comes to movie news, the only UK reporter I truly trust is Baz Bamigboye at the Daily Mail. I can’t speak for the rest of that publication, but Baz has a solid track record in my book, so I believe himwhen he saysthatAaron Taylor-Johnsonis teaming back up with hisKick-AssdirectorMatthew Vaughnfor theKingsmanprequel that has finally started production in London.
Baztook to Twitteron Thursday evening to report thatMatthew Goode(Watchmen) has joined the cast along with former Bond girlGemma Arterton, who will be playing someone’s nanny, whileTom Hollander(Bohemian Rhapsody) has been cast inthreeroles – George V; the Kaiser; and a Russian tsar, all of whom are part of Queen Victoria‘s family tree. Baz also confirmedCollider’s scoopthatRhys Ifans(The Amazing Spider-Man),Daniel Brühl(Captain America: Civil War) andCharles Dance(Game of Thrones) were enlisting in the prequel, which will starHarris Dickinson(FX’sTrust) andRalph Fiennes, as well asDjimon HounsouandAlison Steadman(Orphan Black).
We’d predicted that Vaughn would recruit some of Europe’s biggest stars for his next Kingsman film, and Taylor-Johnson, Arterton, Hollander and Goode certainly qualify. We’re not surprised, as the director is a major talent magnet who convinced Oscar winnersHalle Berry,Julianne MooreandJeff Bridgesto joinKingsman: The Golden Circlealong withChanning Tatum,Pedro PascalandElton John.
While theKingsmanprequel will be the third film in the franchise, it is not being billed asKingsman 3, as the film will not feature franchise starTaron Egertonas Eggsy. Instead, Dickinson will play Conrad, a cocky yet charming young hero who’s eager to serve his country and fight in World War I. According toour own Steve Weintraub, the prequel is more of a period drama than a spy thriller, and the story centers around ““the man who would be Kingsman.” Make of that what you will.
Vaughn has ambitious plans for his growingKingsmanuniverse. Not only is he shooting the prequel, but he’s also developing a proper sequel toThe Golden Circle that would conclude the Harry Hart-Eggsy relationship. As Collider reported, Vaughn expects to shoot that film later this year following a short break betweenKingsmanmovies. Additionally, Vaughn is developing aKingsmanTV series and aStatesmanfilm based on the American league of spies introduced inThe Golden Circle. That’s a whole lot ofKingsmanon the horizon, but you’ll have to wait until Nov. 9 for the prequelto hit theaters.
Taylor-Johnson is one of Hollywood’s best young actors, but the truth is that he could use a movie like theKingsmanprequel. He was poised to blow up after his back-to-back castings inGodzillaandAvengers: Age of Ultron, but he failed to capitalize on the moment. I thought he was great inThe Wall, but that film came and went. I thought he was even better inNocturnal Animals, as in, ‘he should’ve won the Oscar!-good,’ but again, that film fared poorly with general audiences. Meanwhile,Outlaw Kingwas perceived as a failure for Netflix, which doesn’t release ratings… unless they’re good, and I don’t believeA Million Little Pieceshas secured domestic distribution since debuting last fall in Toronto. MovieTalk fans know that I don’t love most comic book movies butKick-Assis one of my favorites and a large part of that is due to Taylor-Johnson, and how he just seemed to be on the same insane page as Vaughn in that movie. Here’s hoping Vaughn has found a character worthy of such a talented performer. He’s represented by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
Arterton recently lent her voice to the TV miniseriesWatership Downand will soon be seen alongsideAdam SandlerandJennifer Anistonin the Netflix comedyMurder Mystery. Hollander is coming off a huge year in which he co-starred inBohemian RhapsodyandA Private War, as well as Netflix’sBirdboxandMowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Goode will soon be seen oppositeKeira KnightleyinGavin Hood’s whistleblower dramaOfficial Secrets, which IFC Films acquired out of Sundance, and he has also wrapped the indie movieMedievalwithBen FosterandMichael Caine. He’s repped by CAA, which also reps Arterton along with Independent Talent Group. Hollander is repped by WME and United Agents.
