Highlights
Kick-Ass 2 received mixed reviews and fell short of its predecessor, leaving little room for a satisfying Kick-Ass 3. A spin-off movie for Hit-Girl could be a better option.
The deviation of Kick-Ass 2 from the source material disappointed fans and undermined the creators' initial vision, potentially alienating some. A movie centered around Hit-Girl has the potential to remain more faithful to the comics. Considering the success of the Kingsman films, there is still a demand for this genre of action movies. A Hit-Girl movie could follow a similar formula, emphasizing character growth and a personal journey.
The Kick-Ass film franchise, which has generated an impressive $160 million worldwide, is based on the popular comic series of the same name. The story revolves around regular individuals who transform into masked crime-fighters. The first film, released in 2010, introduced Hit-Girl, a young but incredibly skilled assassin who was trained by her father, Big Daddy (played by Nic Cage). Hit-Girl's raw talent and no-nonsense attitude resonated with audiences, making her a beloved character.
In the 2013 sequel, Hit-Girl joined forces with Kick-Ass, the main hero, to take on a new supervillain and his crew of henchmen. However, the film received mixed reviews from both critics and fans, with many feeling that it didn't live up to its predecessor. The sequel ended with a suspenseful cliffhanger, hinting at the possibility of a third film titled Kick-Ass 3. Nevertheless, there is a valid argument that the filmmakers should prioritize giving Hit-Girl her own standalone movie instead of pursuing Kick-Ass 3.
Kick-Ass 2 Didn't Warrant A Kick-Ass 3
Hit-Girl's movie deserves justification due to the shortcomings of Kick-Ass 2, which were criticized for its excessive violence, weak plot, and underdeveloped characters. Additionally, it failed to meet the expectations set by the original film, known for its originality, humor, and action, by only grossing $60.8 Million worldwide compared to the first movie's $96.8 Million. Moreover, Kick-Ass 2 significantly deviated from the source material, the comic series by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., resulting in a less faithful and coherent adaptation.
The film omitted the important subplot of Hit-Girl being manipulated by her mother's boyfriend, which played a significant role in her character development in the comics. Additionally, the film included a romantic relationship between Kick-Ass and Night Bitch, which was not originally depicted in the comics. These changes were seen as not respecting or comprehending the original vision of the creators, leading to disappointment among some comic fans.
Moreover, Kick-Ass 2 ended with a suggestive scene, hinting at Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl going their separate ways, with Hit-Girl choosing to live a normal life as Mindy Macready. This left fans questioning their future and whether they would ever witness their reunion. To create Kick-Ass 3, it becomes crucial to provide a convincing explanation for their reunion and introduce a new threat that they must confront.
Kick-Ass 3 Could Be A Hit-Girl Movie
Hit-Girl deserves her own movie because she is undeniably the most thrilling and beloved character in the franchise. With a captivating backstory, a formidable personality, and an incredibly fierce fighting style, she surpasses Kick-Ass in terms of potential for growth and development.
There is a faction of fans who argue that Kick-Ass 3 could essentially serve as a Hit-Girl movie, since she is the driving force behind the storyline. In the comic series, the third volume of Kick-Ass chronicles Dave Lizewski's retirement from being a superhero and his entanglement in organized crime. However, there is also a spin-off series titled Hit-Girl that explores Mindy Macready's independent adventures across the globe.
The third volume of Kick-Ass may not be as suitable for a film adaptation as The Hit-Girl series, given its exploration of diverse genres, locations, and themes. Moreover, The Hit-Girl series delves into Hit-Girl's struggles with her identity crisis, moral dilemmas, and relationships.
The Kingsman Movies Show A Hit-Girl movie Can Still Work
Furthermore, the demand for spy-comedy-action films with young female leads is evident, presenting a compelling reason for a Hit-Girl movie. The success of the Kingsman franchise, which garnered an impressive $800 million worldwide, exemplifies this genre. Notably, the Kingsman movies were also adapted from a comic series by Mark Millar and helmed by the dynamic duo of Matthew Vaughn, reaffirming the marketability of such productions (just like Kick-Ass).
The Kingsman movies revolve around the missions of a secretive spy organization, which recruits and trains talented individuals to become agents. These films are renowned for their stylish violence, clever dialogue, and over-the-top situations. Notably, they also showcase strong female characters like Roxy Morton (played by Sophie Cookson) and Princess Tilde (played by Hanna Alström).
Critically and commercially, the Kingsman movies have achieved great success. The first film, Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015), earned a staggering $414 million worldwide, while its sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), grossed over $410 million globally. With a third installment, Kingsman: The Blue Blood, scheduled for a 2023 release, it is evident that there is a continued audience demand for this type of film. Considering this, a potential Hit-Girl movie could adopt a similar approach, prioritizing character development and personal growth for Hit-Girl.
Hit-Girl has captured the hearts of fans ever since her debut in the first Kick-Ass film. With a captivating background, a formidable persona, and a remarkable combat technique, she surpasses Kick-Ass 3 in terms of potential for enthralling and captivating narratives. The comics have portrayed her solo escapades, delving into diverse genres, settings, and themes, offering an abundance of material for a compelling big-screen adaptation.