Kingsman: The Secret Service was the surprise hit of 2014. How everyone didn’t it see it coming is the real surprise, with Colin Firth, rising star Taron Edgerton and Samuel L Jackson delivering truly memorable performances directed by slam-dunk director Matthew Vaughn. Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t seen the film – seriously, go buy it now – but two of these three leads do not make it to the sequel.
Well, kind of. Samuel L Jackson’s villainous Richard Valentine is as dead as a dodo. He certainly will not return.
And so too is Colin Firth’s mentor Gallahad. Until Firth’s portrayal was recieved as rapturously as it was, and Fox held a brainstorming session for the purpose of bringing him back into the sequel with discounting the most shocking moment of the film. The prevailing theories included flashbacks and a secret twin brother, but reports indicate these plans have been scrapped and Firth will not be involved going forward.
Alternatively, they could go the Barbosa route from Pirates of the Carribean and omit him for the sequel, only to bring him back to round off the (then) trilogy. In a world of Bond, Bourne again and the ever-better Mission: Impossible films Kingsman: The Secret Service leans into the ridiculousness of it all. Anything is possible.
As for a new antagonist? Julianne Moore is in talks currently, although her schedule is looking very full. She is in high demand after critical success in Still Alice and Freeheld, and commercial success in the Mockingjay half of the Hunger Games quadrilogy. She’s currently signed on for a children’s novel adaptation Wonderstruck and the next Coen Brothers/George Clooney collaboration Suburbicon, which will also star Matt Damon.
Kingsman 2 has already been pushed back thanks to a lawsuit from the studio behind Arthur: Knights of the Round Table. Don’t expect a second delay for Moore, despite her quality.
