There are no winners in war, but there are plenty who profit from having others fight them. Those shadowy figures are at the evil heart of director Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming Kingsman prequel, The King’s Man. An early trailer for the film revealed how the independent intelligence agency got its start while battling the villains who led the globe into the first World War. And that includes one of the most notorious figures of the 20th century, Rasputin. Please note that the release of the film has since shifted from September 18 to December 22.
But he’s not even their most dangerous foe. That’s the unseen enemy pulling Rasputin’s strings.
“As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them.”
In doing so he will help found the world’s first secret independent intelligence agency, the one fans got to know on the big screen with 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service and 2017’s Kingsman: The Golden Circle. This prequel takes place decades before those movies, during WWI. It’s when the group of highly skilled gentlemen and gentlewomen first organized into an elite organization.
Although the stars of the franchise’s first two films won’t anchor this film, the movie still boasts an amazing cast. Ralph Fiennes stars as the Duke of Oxford and the man responsible for the group’s creation. Harris Dickinson plays his eager young apprentice. And Rhys Ifans plays the infamous Rasputin.
They’ll be joined by Gemma Arterton, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance. Additionally, the movie stars Stanley Tucci as Merlin. There’s also the unseen Scottish “shepherd” manipulating the world into chaos to consider. No matter who is behind that bald head and mustache, he will leave a lasting legacy on the very agency created to stop him.
“Manners maketh man,” he says. But there’s nothing polite about profiteering on the plight of others. A gentleman might do that, but not a Kingsman.
You can watch the most recent trailer for the film for another exciting look at what’s to come.
The King’s Man will release on December 22. We look forward to all the action and, of course, all the new suits.
Featured Image: 20th Century Studios
Originally published on June 22, 2020 and updated on August 26, 2021.
