Introduction
The Kingsman movie franchise can be confusing to navigate, with various spin-offs and prequels adding to the main trilogy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the Kingsman universe. From its origins as a comic book series to its status as a cult hit, find out how Kingsman is breaking the mold of traditional spy movies.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Kingsman Movie Franchise
The Kingsman movie franchise started in 2014 with the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service. Since then, the franchise has expanded to include two sequels, a prequel, and an upcoming film. Here’s a breakdown of each film, listed in chronological order:
- Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
- Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
- Kingsman: The Great Game (2022)
- The King’s Man (2021) – a prequel set during World War I
While The King’s Man is a prequel, it is not part of the main trilogy. Instead, it explores the origins of the Kingsman organization and how it came to be. The rest of this article will focus on the three main films in the franchise.
Kingsman: The Secret Service introduces viewers to Eggsy (played by Taron Egerton), a young man from a working-class background who is recruited by the mysterious Harry Hart (played by Colin Firth) into a secret organization of spies known as the Kingsmen. Eggsy must learn to navigate the dangerous world of espionage while also dealing with personal issues, such as his troubled relationship with his mother and his loyalty to his friends. The film includes over-the-top action scenes, a sharp sense of humor, and clever references to classic spy movies.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle picks up after the events of the first film, with Eggsy now a full-fledged Kingsman. When a new villain named Poppy (played by Julianne Moore) threatens to destroy the world’s drug supply, Eggsy and his fellow agents must team up with their American counterparts, the Statesmen. The sequel features even more action-packed set-pieces and expands the world of the Kingsmen with new characters and locales. However, some critics felt that the film suffered from sequelitis and relied too heavily on callbacks to the first movie.
Kingsman: The Great Game serves as a prequel to the first film, exploring the origins of the Kingsmen organization in the early 1900s. The movie introduces a new protagonist, Conrad (played by Harris Dickinson), who becomes embroiled in a plot involving Russian spies and a dangerous weapon. While the film features callbacks to the previous entries in the franchise, it also adds new layers to the Kingsman lore and develops a unique visual style that sets it apart from the other films.
Delving Deeper into Kingsman: The 3 Films in the Franchise and What to Expect from Each One
To truly understand the Kingsman franchise, it’s important to take a closer look at each film and what it brings to the table.
Kingsman: The Secret Service stands out for its irreverent humor, in-your-face action, and fresh take on the spy genre. The film’s blend of high-octane fight scenes and razor-sharp wit makes it a standout from other contemporary action movies. Colin Firth’s performance as Harry Hart also adds a deep-seated emotional core to the film, making viewers care about what happens to him and Eggsy. Additionally, the film’s themes of class struggle, mentorship, and bravery make it resonate with a wide audience.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle, on the other hand, leans even further into the franchise’s over-the-top elements. While it still retains the humor and style of the original film, some critics felt that the plot was overly convoluted and that the new characters introduced didn’t quite measure up to the established ones. The Statesmen, in particular, were criticized for being thinly drawn and underutilized. However, the film’s commitment to pushing the envelope with its action scenes and humor still make it an entertaining watch.
Kingsman: The Great Game continues the franchise’s trend of expanding its universe while also dialing back the excess of the previous entry. The film’s more grounded approach to storytelling, gritty visuals, and intense action scenes make it a departure from the previous films. However, it still manages to incorporate Kingsman’s signature humor and wit, as well as compelling characters. The film also marks the directorial debut of Matthew Vaughn, who directed the previous two films in the franchise, and demonstrates his love for the material and his unique vision for the Kingsman world.
How Kingsman Took Over the Spy Genre with 3 Epic Movies
The Kingsman franchise has become a fan favorite because it manages to subvert many of the tropes of traditional spy movies while still paying homage to them.
First off, the franchise injects a healthy dose of humor and self-awareness into its storytelling. Instead of relying solely on dramatic tension and perilous situations, Kingsman often uses its wit and comedy to disarm the viewer. Whether it’s characters making pop culture references or absurd gags like a bulletproof umbrella, the franchise sets itself apart from other more serious action franchises.
Additionally, Kingsman pays tribute to classic spy movies while also updating their elements for a modern audience. The franchise features suave secret agents in tailored suits, high-tech gadgets, and daring escapes – all hallmarks of the spy genre. However, it also adds a unique spin to these elements, such as the Kingsmen’s use of umbrellas as weapons or their headquarters being located in a tailoring shop. By balancing the old and the new, the franchise attracts viewers who are both nostalgic for classic spy movies and intrigued by contemporary twists.
Compared to other spy franchises, such as James Bond or Mission: Impossible, Kingsman has a distinct indie feel to it. Perhaps it’s the unusual choice of casting (Colin Firth as a badass spy? Taron Egerton as the lead?) or the quirky sense of humor, but the franchise feels like an underdog that managed to break through to the mainstream. The fact that it started as a relatively obscure comic book series before becoming a cinematic phenomenon also adds to its outsider appeal.
Finally, Kingsman has influenced other media like comics and video games. The franchise’s stylish visuals, unique world-building, and engaging characters have inspired numerous spin-off stories in comic book form, including Kingsman: The Red Diamond and Kingsman: The Big Exit, as well as an upcoming video game adaptation. The franchise’s legacy and impact on the spy genre continue to grow.
Exploring Kingsman: A Thoughtful Analysis of How the Movies Have Evolved Over Time
While the Kingsman movies are known for their stylish action and humor, they also offer a unique perspective on the evolution of the spy genre.
Kingsman began as a comic book series created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, with the first issue published in 2012. The series quickly gained a cult following due to its punk sensibility, over-the-top violence, and unique take on spy tropes. When the movie adaptation was announced, fans were excited but also cautious, wondering if the film could capture the spirit of the comics.
When Kingsman: The Secret Service was released in 2014, it was hailed as a breath of fresh air in the action genre. The film’s mix of humor, style, and wit made it a hit with audiences, and it quickly amassed a loyal fanbase. The sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, expanded on the world of the franchise but also leaned heavily on the established formula, leading to mixed reviews.
With Kingsman: The Great Game, the franchise returned to its roots in a way, exploring the early days of the Kingsmen organization. The prequel’s grittier tone and more subtle humor marked a change from the previous films, but it also added new layers to the franchise’s mythology. The movie also introduced new characters and themes, such as the role of Russian spies in the Kingsman universe.
Overall, the Kingsman movies have evolved from a rebellious comic book series into a cinematic phenomenon that has influenced the spy genre and beyond. While some fans may prefer the original’s punk rock sensibility, there’s no denying that the Kingsman movies have something for everyone.
The Kingsman Movie Universe – What to Know Before You Watch the Next Installment
The upcoming film in the Kingsman franchise, The King’s Man, takes a step back in time to explore the origins of the Kingsmen. Here’s what you need to know before watching:
Plot: The King’s Man is set during World War I and explores the origins of the Kingsmen organization. According to the official synopsis, “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.” The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, and Harris Dickinson.
Continuity: While The King’s Man is a prequel, it’s unclear whether it connects directly to the main trilogy or if it’s a standalone story. However, the trailer features several references to the previous films, and it’s possible that the film will establish connections between the past and present of the Kingsman universe.
Tips: If you’re new to the Kingsman franchise, it’s worth watching the first three films before the release of The King’s Man. While the prequel may stand on its own, understanding the history of the Kingsmen and their current status in the world adds context to the story. Additionally, keep an eye out for Easter eggs and callbacks to the previous films, as The King’s Man may contain clues about the future of the franchise.