Director on exploring origins of Kingsman, father-son relationship in 'The King's Man'

Actor Ralph Fiennes, top left, and director Matthew Vaughn speak during an online press conference for the film, “The King's Man.” Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Director Matthew Vaughn said he felt destined to explore the beginnings of the secret Kingsman agency in “The King's Man,” a prequel in his spy comedy franchise.

“Eggsy was told by Harry that Kingsman was founded in 1919, so I had no choice,” he told reporters. “When I started reading more and more about World War I, I thought there were a lot of lessons that the public could learn from looking back at its history ― whether it's about choosing your leaders wisely or the fact that little things can turn into big problems very quickly.”

In the new film, Ralph Fiennes portrays the Duke of Oxford, the founder of the secret Kingsman intelligence agency that defends Greta Britain and the world from existential threats. He also struggles to keep his son, Conrad (Harris Dickinson) safe in the midst of tragedy.

Of the father and son relationship portrayed in the film, Vaughn said, “I think the unconditional love that parents have for their children is always an interesting dynamic, which Oxford explores even more because he made a promise to his dying wife. The father-son relationship is one that we can all relate to.”

Actors Ralph Fiennes, right, and Harris Dickinson in a scene from the film, “The King's Man” / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea

In a press conference with Korean reporters held via Zoom, Fiennes explained the big difference between “The King's Man” and two previous Kingsman films is that the latest installment includes real life historical figures like Great Britain's king, Germany's kaiser, Russia's czar and Rasputin.

“The key difference is that it goes back in time and tells the story of how the Kingsman intelligence agency started. It's set in a recognizable historical era, the early 20th century just prior to and during World War I,” he said.

The 57-year-old actor said he liked the tone and atmosphere of the first Kingsman films, which he thought were mischievous, archaic and unpredictable, and wanted to be part of the telling of how the Kingsman agency came to be.

“I go on the basis of the script. I think Matthew presented himself with the challenges of balancing the history, Kingsman tone, fights and action. But at the heart of the story, there is a belief in courage, integrity and humanity. It's about these warriors for good fighting for the justice against forces that are corrupt, destructive and malign,” he said.

Vaughn stressed the importance of narrative in the action. “Without the narrative, the action is boring. In this film, it was fascinating to take old gadgets, like parachutes and airplanes, and come up with modern sequences. Sword fighting was exciting too,” he said.

Fiennes also talked about his on- and off-screen chemistry with Dickinson. “He's an extremely talented young actor. He has a wonderful instinctive truthfulness. He's just looking for human truth in any situation. That was a treat,” he said.

“The King's Man” will hit local theaters, Dec. 22.