Unveiling Matthew Vaughn's Whimsical Adventure: A Sneaky Cat's Influence
Matthew Vaughn reveals surprising insights into his date-friendly spy romp, 'Argylle', its unexpected runtime, and how 'Austin Powers' sparked his love for spies He also discusses the potential legal challenges surrounding the 'Kick-Ass' reboot and the thrilling sequel to 'The King's Man' Don't miss his take on British aristocracy and why 'Argylle' is the perfect date movie
Article Summary
Matthew Vaughn shares the story behind casting his "nepo cat" in Argylle.
Vaughn discloses that the original director's cut of Argylle was initially shorter but received more favorable responses from audiences in its extended form.
Vaughn delves into his passion for espionage movies, which was influenced by his upbringing during the peak of the Cold War, and his admiration for James Bond and other spy-themed films.
Matthew Vaughn, the filmmaker behind the upcoming action farce Argylle, candidly recounts the daunting task of finding the perfect cat actor for a crucial role in his film. Initially, he hired an expensive feline performer, whimsically dubbed a 'catctor,' but the outcome proved disastrous. The cat lacked the desired charm and failed to exhibit any training, prompting Vaughn to promptly dismiss it.
While Vaughn's directorial endeavors date back to the mid-aughts, his involvement in the industry as a producer spans nearly three decades, contributing to the creation of some of this generation's most adored and iconic movies. His directorial debut in 2004, the high-octane film Layer Cake starring Daniel Craig, will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Subsequently, Vaughn embarked on his first venture as a writer-director with the beloved and soon-to-be cult classic Stardust, released three years later.
In the 2010s, Kick-Ass propelled Vaughn into the realm of superheroes. Following that, he wrote and directed X-Men: First Class in 2011 and produced X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014. However, Vaughn decided to end his involvement with the franchise when he discovered that the studio was misleading Halle Berry with a script for the next film that they had no plans of using. Walking away from such a prominent franchise like X-Men granted Vaughn the freedom to pursue his own endeavors, such as creating The Kingsman and now, Argylle.
With this background, Vaughn has honed his skills in problem-solving, even when it comes to feline predicaments. "The next morning, I immediately went home," he continues, "and told my daughter, 'I'm bringing Chip with me.' She asked, 'For how long?' and I replied, 'Three months.' I didn't really think it through, as I had to drive to work with the cat in the car and the cat lived in the trailer with me."
How ‘Argylle’s Runtime Surprised Matthew Vaughn
Arriving at the end of September, the initial trailer for Argylle showcased an impressive cast featuring Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, and Samuel L. Jackson. However, it was Chip Vaughn who stole the spotlight, while also offering only a glimpse into the captivating world of spies that Vaughn has masterfully created. Vaughn explains, "I informed Universal that they could only construct the trailer using the first 28 minutes of the film. Their initial response was, 'No, we cannot do that.' But I then asserted, 'Well, these are the stipulations if you want to distribute this movie.' This is because the film encompasses numerous elements that make it difficult to define in a single genre. All I can say is that it is undeniably entertaining."
Argylle, currently clocking in at 135 minutes, actually surpasses Vaughn's original director's cut in terms of length. "It's been an incredibly interesting experience," Vaughn reflects. "Typically, when you're editing a film, you strive to make it shorter and shorter. You think you've reached the ideal length, only to have the audience feedback indicate that it's still a bit too long or drags in certain parts. However, with this particular film, we presented a shorter version and received feedback that it was still a tad long. I personally felt the same way, even though it was shorter. It was quite bizarre and left me wondering what was happening."
The explanation for this phenomenon was surprisingly straightforward, as Vaughn explains, "The longer version knew when to allow moments to breathe, whereas the shorter version felt suffocated. When you can't breathe, you become overly conscious of time. Therefore, we decided to reintroduce some breathing room and tested the longer version with a few adjustments. It exceeded our expectations once again. It was a valuable lesson for me, as it marked the first time I deliberately made something longer, despite my dislike for lengthy movies."
How ‘Austin Powers’ Inspired Matthew Vaughn’s Love for Spies
Despite his dislike for long movies, Vaughn still has a fondness for spy films. He has built a reputation for himself within the genre through his work on the exhilarating Kingsman franchise, featuring actors like Taron Egerton and Colin Firth. When asked why he was drawn to the franchise, Vaughn took a moment to reflect on the range of genres that have influenced his attraction to spies. It becomes evident when examining his impressive filmography. "You know, I don't know. Someone asked me that. Maybe it's because of superheroes. I love superheroes, but they were all, you know, beyond my grasp. While I enjoyed working on X-Men, I always considered it Bryan Singer's franchise. With Kingsman and now with Argylle, I am drawn to the concept. Perhaps it's because I grew up in the 80s during the height of the Cold War and espionage, and of course, James Bond. I simply adored all those movies, from Flint to even Austin Powers when it came out. So, I have an affinity for spies. I can't explain why, but I just do."
The ‘Kick-Ass’ Reboot Might Get Matthew Vaughn Sued
Image via Lionsgate
Vaughn views X-Men as Singer's franchise, but he has his own franchise of unconventional superheroes, with a reboot for that franchise on the horizon. Kick-Ass, initially based on Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.'s comic book, started as an underdog film but rose to success due to Vaughn's unwavering belief in it. Despite facing challenges in production, Vaughn obtained a distribution deal by showcasing clips at the San Diego Comic-Con's Hall H.
Regarding the reboot's nature, whether it will be a pure reboot or a soft reboot where some of the original cast reprise their roles, Vaughn clarifies that this is currently a complete reboot. He even jests that this reboot is so significant that he might face legal consequences. Vaughn's laughter suggests that his plans for the reboot are truly outrageous. While considering the possibility of including the original characters in a potential Kick-Ass 3, Vaughn emphasizes the need to reignite the world of Kick-Ass, ensuring that the upcoming film will leave a lasting impact. He expresses his excitement for the project, assuring that the new script is exceptionally unconventional and he can't wait to bring it to life.
Two years ago, Vaughn revealed to Our website that the Kick-Ass reboot would be released within two years. However, it appears that the film's arrival on the silver screen will be delayed for a few more years. Vaughn mentioned that the official announcement will occur in approximately six months to a year, as he wants to ensure the proper casting for the movie. While there are several exciting developments and discussions to come, Vaughn has been advised not to disclose any details at this time. Nevertheless, he emphasized the personal significance of Kick-Ass to him.
To Sequel or Not to Sequel, That’s the Question
Paramount Pictures' image
Not only does Kick-Ass hold cult-classic status in Vaughn's filmography, but it also stands as his only cult classic that received a sequel. While Neil Gaiman's fame grew through his screen adaptations of The Sandman and Good Omens, it was Vaughn who first brought the enchanting world of Stardust to life. This film, featuring Charlie Cox and Ben Barnes before they became heartthrobs on Netflix, remains a beloved gem of Vaughn's repertoire.
Stardust failed to receive enough love in 2007, preventing Paramount from approving a sequel. However, this didn't stop Vaughn from envisioning a continuation of the story. He reflects, "Stardust was a bittersweet time for me. When Paramount released it, they tried to make it look like Lord of the Rings, but I insisted that it was not. I compared it to Princess Bride, but they claimed that it failed. I argued that it only failed due to poor marketing, and it later became one of the top-selling DVDs. So, let's just make the sequel and embrace its uniqueness." Despite his efforts, they didn't listen to him.
Luckily, Vaughn did successfully influence the marketing strategy in England. He recalls, "They let me do what I wanted, and we titled it 'The Fairytale That Won't Behave.'" It became his highest-grossing movie at the time. Given Gaiman's increasing popularity, Vaughn was asked if there was a chance for a sequel now. Although he didn't express much hope, he didn't completely dismiss the idea. He mentioned that he needed to figure out the financial aspect and that new people are now at Paramount. He described the story concept, involving the death of Tristan and Yvaine and the necklace landing in 1960s London. He envisioned the crazy characters blending in with the era's eccentricity.
While Stardust might never receive a sequel, Vaughn is currently working on a sequel for one of his major franchises.
‘The King’s Man’ Sequel Takes Aim at British Aristocracy
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Originally scheduled for release in November 2019, The King's Man was among numerous movies that were postponed to 2021 and beyond due to the pandemic. When the film finally premiered in theaters in December 2021, a new variant of COVID-19 was emerging, causing people to remain hesitant about going to the movies. Despite these challenges, the Kingsman prequel generated a global box office revenue of $126 million, guaranteeing that its jaw-dropping post-credits scene would eventually lead to a sequel.
Following the style of Marvel's famously absurd post-credit scenes, which introduce new villains or set up future movies, Vaughn crafted an incredibly mind-boggling post-credits scene for The King's Man. This scene teased Adolf Hitler as the main antagonist for the sequel. Given the plot of The King's Man and Vaughn's evident passion for history, Hitler's inclusion is not surprising. As the writer-director himself states, "I believe that we need to learn from history now more than ever."
While discussing the way The King's Man presented real history in an enjoyable and accessible manner, Vaughn disclosed that the original intention for the project was to create a TV series. However, he was eventually convinced to turn it into a film. The aim was to blend elements of espionage, similar to The Crown, with the distinct style of the Kingsman franchise, spanning different decades. As for the post-credit scene, Vaughn shared that it has already been written and is quite impressive. It delves into the rise of Hitler and explores how he obtained power with the support of the English aristocracy. Vaughn found this topic intriguing, especially in light of how the world was preoccupied with the threat of Communism, leading to the phenomenon of Fascism. Observing the current state of affairs, Vaughn believes it serves as a reminder that becoming excessively preoccupied with certain issues can have dire consequences. Therefore, he deems it necessary to recount this story, which the team has titled The Traitor King.
Vaughn further disclosed that they are still uncertain whether The Traitor King will be developed into a movie or a series, stating that it is a decision they are currently contemplating. With multiple projects on his plate, including the potential filming of a new movie this month, Vaughn's production company is evidently hard at work. The nature of this upcoming undertaking remains unknown, as it could be the long-awaited musical or an entirely different and thrilling venture.
‘Argylle’ Is the Perfect Date Movie
Image via Apple TV+
"With my company Marv, we have successfully regained everything. Over the next five years, we have exciting plans to reboot Kick-Ass, produce the next King's Man film, and continue with Kingsman 3 which will be our immediate focus. In a lighthearted manner, I once joked that if we aren't careful, Eggsy could become Arthur at the end of the table, and Collin would merely be a portrait on the wall. Therefore, we need to accelerate the process.
However, before that, our main priority is Vaughn's upcoming film Argylle, scheduled to release on February 2, 2024. The book associated with the film will be launched in January. Argylle delves into the concept of what would occur if J.K. Rowling was writing Harry Potter and a real wizard appeared, stating, 'You've captured it somewhat accurately, but let me give you some further ideas.' This leads to the books improving.
Vaughn further elaborates on the meta aspect of this new franchise by explaining that it couldn't begin with the first book. It had to wait until readers were familiar with the third or fourth book, allowing a character to emerge and express, 'I've been reading it, but you've completely misunderstood it.' This is why we are starting with book four, and the meta element revolves around the author being confronted with suggestions of improvement, causing confusion. Bryce will be portraying Elly Conway, a genuine writer in the film. It's a unique and distinct kind of movie."
Vaughn appears to relish in the meta-ness of Argylle, which perfectly aligns with his approach to directing his beloved franchises. "I firmly believe that if I become nervous, then I'm not creating something that's captivating. Therefore, one must push the boundaries. There are times where I may push too far, leading to producers and others reaching out, or instances where the audience exclaims, 'What the hell did you just do?' However, Marv thrives on mischief, pushing limits, and providing entertainment. Especially in the next three to four years, we desperately require films that bring a smile to our faces and help us momentarily forget about the difficulties we're all facing."
Image via Universal
Argylle was conceived as a form of escapism during the lockdown. According to Vaughn, the idea for the movie came about while he was watching movies with his family. He introduced them to Romancing the Stone, and they loved it. This inspired him to create a spy film in the style of Romancing the Stone, offering pure escapism during a time when the world felt scary. Vaughn wanted the movie to be a fun and entertaining experience for audiences, and also hoped it would make for a great date movie. He recalled how Romancing the Stone was his first successful date and wanted to capture that same feeling in Argylle. Additionally, Vaughn wanted his daughters, who weren't fans of his previous films like Kingsman, to enjoy this softer yet still exciting adventure. He also intended to reinvent some of the spy genre's tropes and highlight their absurdity, with Sam Rockwell serving as a mirror to this reinvention.
Vaughn's plan to create the perfect date movie seems to have succeeded. During testing, there was a particular line that caused me to burst into laughter. A man said, "This is the first Matthew Vaughn movie I feel comfortable watching with my wife." I wasn't sure how to take it as a compliment, but I believe it's a statement that will resonate with everyone, regardless of their gender or identity. This film is surprisingly uplifting and enjoyable for all. By the end, you'll definitely feel warm and fuzzy.
As for Chip, I must admit that I didn't like cats at the beginning of this movie. However, I couldn't help but fall in love with him as the story progressed. We formed a strong bond, and it's quite amusing to think that Chip might become the most famous resident in our house within a year. Additionally, Vaughn reveals that Chip's prominence is not ending anytime soon, as there's a book in the works featuring him.
Argylle is set to release on February 2, 2024. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film features a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara, and Bryan Cranston. With a runtime of 135 minutes, the main genre of the film is Thriller, incorporating elements of action. The script for Argylle has been written by Jason Fuchs.
Editor's P/S
1. **Matthew Vaughn's upcoming spy romp, "Argylle," promises to be a whimsical adventure filled with intrigue and humor.** Vaughn's decision to cast his own cat, Chip, in a crucial role adds a touch of whimsy and underscores the lighthearted tone of the film. The fact that Chip's performance outshone that of the expensive "catctor" hired initially speaks to Vaughn's keen eye for talent, even among the feline persuasion.
2. **Vaughn's passion for spy movies is evident in his description of "Argylle" as a date-friendly romp.** His upbringing during the Cold War and his admiration for James Bond and other spy-themed films have undoubtedly influenced his approach to the genre. The film's extended runtime of 135 minutes suggests that Vaughn has crafted a richly layered and immersive world for audiences to explore. The positive feedback received from test audiences, despite the film's length, is a testament to Vaughn's skill in crafting engaging and entertaining stories.
