The King’s Man: A chat with Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Matthew Vaughn, Tom Hollander, Rhys Ifans, Harris Dickinson and Djimon Hounso

The King’s Man is the prequel to Kingsman and the third movie in the franchise. Directed once again by action film veteran Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Layer Cake), it takes the story back to the early 20^th century to explore the origin story of how the British spy agency was first formed during the first world war. The period set film features high-velocity action but also an emotional family drama with real historical figures woven into the story.

Vaughn has assembled an all-star cast with Ralph Fiennes playing a pacifist Duke who wishes to protect his son, rising star Harris Dickinson playing said son, Conrad, the lovely Gemma Arterton in the role of operation mastermind Polly, the always brilliant Tom Hollander as Nicolas II of Russia, Charles Dance as Herbert Kitchener and Rhys Ifans as the cult figure of Rasputin.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of hearing from the cast – including Fiennes, Arterton, Hollander, Ifans, Dickinson and Djimon Hounso – and the director ahead of the release this week. They spoke about the historical elements of the film, shooting the sword fights and the chemistry they all shared on set.

Sarah Bradbury

The King’s Man is released nationwide on 26^th December 2021. Read our review here. Watch red carpet interviews with the cast and creatives behind the film here.

Watch the trailer for The King’s Man here: