Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass, X-Men: First Class), “Kingsman: The Secret Service” tells a story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Jack Davenport, Sophie Cookson, Sofia Boutella, Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons (co-writers, comic book “The Secret Service”), costume designer Arianne Phillips, and director Matthew Vaughn all attended a special screening of the film on Monday. Check out what they had to say below:
Dave Gibbons
Q: How is it like to see your comic book on the big screens right now?
A: It’s fantastic to see those things that were just little scribbles and sketches leap into full life. It’s just an incredible feel.
Q: And have you seen the movie yet?
A: I have seen the movie. We saw it a couple of weeks ago in London and it was just amazing.
Q: What were your first impressions of it?
A: It was just such an enjoyable film. I thought that if I went to the movies on a Saturday night and paid to see this I would be walking out thinking, “This is real entertainment.”
Q: And were you part of the making of the movie?
A: No, I think it is kind of a mistake to get comic guys involved in making movies and vice versa. So I was quite happy to just stand back and see what they did.
Q: And what were your first impressions about the cast when you heard about them?
A: Well it’s unbelievable really. They are absolutely top line, legendary actors. And I think I have to say about Taron Egerton, as well, as a comparative unknown, that he completely holds his own and he is a man to watch I think.
Q: And how do you feel about the accomplishment of the movie having action but also comedy in it that was not cheesy at all?
A: I think you have to walk that fine line but I think that this movie does. I think you feel the peril but you also have the belly laugh and it is not an easy trick to pull off but Matthew Vaughn has done it fantastically.
Colin Firth
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about the film?
A: Well, we’re secret agents, a very playful, satirical, but hugely affectionate reference to the sort of stuff that I grew up with. I’m about the same age as the Bond franchise and so I’ve watched it evolve. Bond today is wonderfully dark and tough and has a lot of realism to it that is sophisticated and I would hate to see that changed but it has left just enough of a space for us to go back to the sillier version that we remember.
Q: What’s the story of the Kingsman about?
A: It’s about a secret organization who is also referencing King Arthur and the knights at the round table, that we have this code of chivalry, we call it manners and gentlemanliness, but all chivalry and we’re like equivalent of knights. I am one of these veterans who is training these boys who are considered the wrong sort because my guys are rather snobbish and so it is about grooming him.
Q: You have played some fantastic characters over the years but this role is a little different; you’re stepping into an action role. How did you like that? What drew you to this role specifically?
A: Well, I loved it. That is the short answer. But, what drew me initially was Matthew Vaughn. I just think that he is incredibly unique…he is utterly bold; his sense of adventure and the great amount of mischief he does, so that was the first hook.
Q: What was it like working with the cast?
A: Great. The cast is talented and that working with some of my heroes is great.
Q: And who are some of your heroes?
A: Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine.
Q: Watching the film and seeing your performance, how did you also manage to balance and seriousness and the humor of your character in the film?
A: I think it is written into it. Getting the tone right comes from the director and I think I sensed quite early on the tone that Matthew was going for. It is serious in that he wants to create a story where the stakes are high and he wants us to invest in all that. But, at the same time he is being playful; he knows the plot is far-fetched and the fact that it is satirical means that he can get away with a lot more. Completely implausible gadgets, crazy scenes, things that we know could not happen, and yet we buy it or for the purposes of two hours of fun.
Sofia Boutella
Q: How was it like to play such a powerful, female role in this film?
A: It was fun, it was fun. I think when you’re playing a female role that is smart and that is strong and that is very feminine is very attractive and interesting to play.
Magic Johnson
Q: So what brought you here to this event?
A: Well, I’m close with Sam, and we’re just happy that we’re here to support him. We always like a good movie and with our good friend starring in it. And us loving movies, that’s why we’re here. And NBA All-Star week is here so it’s all of us.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most this All-Star weekend?
A: I would say the 3-point shooting contest is going to be amazing.
Q: Any predictions on who is going to win?
A: I’m going to still go with…well Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving…it’s going to be a battle, but Kyle Korver, they better watch out for him.
The film hits theaters this Friday!
-Vinesh Vora
