British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn has a knack for creating spectacular action sequences, as evident inThe Kingsman: The Secret ServiceandKick-Ass. But the stunts, especially the sword fights, in his latest film,The King’s Man,proved challenging even for a veteran action star like Djimon Hounsou. In an interview withComicBook.com, Hounsou said the following:
“Well, the biggest challenge had to do with the physicality of the action sequence, and we’ve had a tremendous help and been guided by the stunt team. Our body doubles were absolutely amazing, you couldn’t tell the difference between when I come in and when my stunt double takes over. But that said, it was just such a difficult scene to shoot, very, very difficult. Of course it has its emotional rollercoaster. I mean, the story, the father and son emotional drama was playing out throughout this sequence. But it was quite a beautiful challenge and certainly one that’s gratifying looking at the finished product.”
Djimon Hounsouhere is describing a particular scene that is a bizarre mix of dance and fighting. Hounsou, who plays a key role inThe King’s Manas Shola, a trusted ally and friend to Ralph Fiennes’ Duke of Oxford, Orlando, had a hard time filming the aforementioned scene. But the 57-year-old actor managed to come out unscathed and, together with co-star Rhys Ifans (who plays Rasputin), delivered a hilarious yet exhilarating fight scene. You can see for yourself in the following clip, released by 20th Century Studios.
Set during World War I,The King’s Manis a prequel to 2014’sKingsman: The Secret Service, which in turn was based on Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons’ comic book,The Secret Service.The King’s Mantakes place a century before the events of the 2014 film and centers on the creation of the titular spy organization.The King’s Manfeatures an all-star cast comprising Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance. Matthew Vaughn has directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Karl Gajdusek.
The official synopsis forThe King’s Manreads, “As a collection ofhistory’s worst tyrants and criminal mastermindsgather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in The King’s Man.”
Having been delayed by two years,The King’s Manwas finally released on December 22 in the United States. So far, the film hasreceived polarizing reviews from critics. The highly stylized and over-the-top action sequences are the highlight ofThe King’s Man,but the film has drawn flak for its confusing tone and subpar writing. Plus, it has been sandwiched between two other blockbusters,Spider-Man: No Way HomeandThe Matrix: Resurrections. HowThe King’s Manwillfare at the box office remains to be seen. But even if it underperforms, a lucrative future lies ahead for theKingsmanfranchise.Several spin-offs and sequels are in active development, with Matthew Vaughn attached as producer or director.
As for Djimon Hounsou, he most recently appeared inA Quiet Place Part II. Also, he is one of the few actors who have been a part of both Marvel and DC movies. Hounsou recently reprised his role as Korath fromGuardians of the Galaxy, Marvel’sWhat If…?.Hounsou will also star inShazam! Fury of the Gods,reprising his role as The Wizard from the first film.
