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The action genre often spans multiple continents, particularly with the spy genre, focusing on global settings rather than restricting itself to a single country. The popularity of the international super spy can be attributed to the cultural impact of the James Bond franchise, as it pioneered the archetype of a British spy as a charismatic, no-nonsense gentleman.
Outside of the British spy, the only alternative has been the Jason Bourne franchise, which leaned into realism over meaningful stories. By 2012, filmmaker Matthew Vaughn had noticed that the genre had become too serious and realistic1, drifting from the globe-trotting cinematic roots it created for itself.
Author Mark Millar and Vaughn would have a conversation about the state of the genre during a filming break on Kick-Ass (2010),2 and just three years later, Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) would hit theaters in the United States. The film was a critical and financial success, making over $400 million worldwide on an $81 million budget3. Similar to Kick-Ass, the film was directed by Vaughn and based on a comic book by Millar.
With its R-rating, Kingsman takes audiences back to the over-the-top era of spy films while commenting on the classist overtones of the British spy archetype. On the 10th anniversary of its US release, it is clear that it has impacted spy films and the greater action genre to this day.
How Kingsman: The Secret Service Shook Up The Spy Genre
Kingsman draws most, if not all, of its inspiration from the James Bond franchise and frequently turns tropes upside down. Vaughn stated that an original trailer idea for the film would have included nearly all of the Bond actors2 as a way to pass the torch to a new generation of spies.
Despite taking so much inspiration from this franchise, Kingsman differs from the Bond films because instead of introducing a spy as a seasoned gentleman, the film takes time to show the training necessary to get to that point.
The film follows street-wise Eggsy (Taron Egerton) as he enters training to become a Kingsman agent under the wing of Harry Hart (Colin Firth), a colleague of his late father. Eggsy eventually gets caught up in a tech billionaire’s (Samuel L. Jackson) plot to end the world5. The cast is important to the film as well since it contains well-known and royally trained British actors as bad-mouthing spies alongside recognizable American faces, such as Jackson and Mark Hamill in a minor role.
Vaughn, who co-wrote the film with Jane Goldman, deconstructs what general audiences expect spy movies to be by embracing the opposite. This is largely evident in its R-rating from the MPAA for “strong violence, language, and sexual content,” which is far bolder than any of the Bond films. While its writing takes swings at what Vaughn perceives as the spy genre’s overseriousness, the film utilizes comically gratuitous violence to criticize it as well.
As the film takes a swing at the spy genre within that medium, the comic book it is based on gives it a unique identity in a landscape saturated by comic book adaptations.
From Page To Screen: How Kingsman’s Comic Roots Influenced (or Altered) The Film
Kingsman set a new precedent for the comic book film, with Vaughn specifically understanding that filmmakers can let loose and engage with mature content while remaining in the company of Marvel and DC. By the film’s US release, the MCU was in its prime, with Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) on the horizon for mainstream comic book fans. What made the Kingsman film stand out was its mature content, which is a page taken out of its comic book roots. These comics garnered enough success for Millar and Vaughn to have the fateful discussion about adapting the film.
Kingsman‘s film adaptation differs from the comic book because much of the identity for the organization was invented for the film to comment specifically on the Bond films. The comic solely focuses on a spy organization simply called “The Secret Service;” it also focuses more centrally on the idea of class and social mobility than the film3. The film is much more about a “buttoned-up” organization that prides itself on its educated and high-class team.
These major differences recontextualize the film as a more specific critique of the “gentleman spy” and class than the book, which focuses on a general societal commentary. While the comic focuses on a spy organization similar to MI6, the film crafts a distinct, high-class style for the organization that engages with the idea of whether or not someone is “educated” enough to join them.
The film’s differences from the comic book can be attributed to its desire to comment on the Bond genre specifically since the film’s costuming, hair, and makeup for the Kingsman agents are largely evidence of 007’s iconic style. In contrast, the comic focuses less on critiquing the spy genre, instead having some class commentary and outlandish plot points. Its film adaptation seems to fully embrace the visual medium while altering the Kingsman organization to highlight the classist overtones of the spy genre.
As a result of the film’s differences from the comic book, the film is able to comment on an entire subgenre of action while also touching on the class issues discussed in the comic book. Matthew Vaughn translated some of the comic book’s themes to film while significantly altering the visual and story elements to better fit the Bond commentary the film is known for. Along with the differences in world-building, the film gains a far more unique visual identity in comparison to its comic book roots.
Kingsman‘s Bold Approach To Action
What sets Kingsman: The Secret Service apart almost immediately is how violent and profane the film is. As a result of its R rating, Kingsman relishes in excessive, over-the-top violence as part of its commentary on the Bond films, which often relegate themselves to a PG-13 rating to be accessible to more age groups.
Kingsman knew its audience would be older and thus ramped up the violence and gore far more than many would expect for a spy film. A Variety review from the film’s release referred to it as pushing “sartorial taste, killer toys, and cracked-out supervillains to the extreme.”6
The film aims to differentiate itself from Bond by commenting on tropes as well as employing sensationalized action. The language also aids in this, with its characters casually swearing and not holding back profanity to further set itself apart from Bond. The profanity in Kingsman’s writing complements the film’s visuals, which carry the film’s commentary on Bond while maintaining an entertaining action film.
Kingsman: The Secret Service became iconic in the action genre mainly because it refuses to shy away from onscreen violence. While most films try to maintain a lower MPAA rating to remain accessible to general audiences, Kingsman uses excessive amounts of blood and a constantly moving camera to maintain the audience’s investment in the film.
Camerawork
Mainstream spy films such as The Bourne Ultimatum often aim for realism over style, which is a large part of why spy films leave audiences feeling so fatigued, using shaky cam instead of creative fight choreography4. Kingsman stands out by minimizing shaky cam in its shots and ensuring the audience can follow exactly what the characters are doing.
This is most evident in what is widely regarded as the most iconic scene in the film, in which the film’s antagonist, Valentine, tests modified SIM cards that drive people mad to the point of violence upon activation. This sequence takes place in an Evangelical church where Harry is doing reconnaissance to see what exactly Valentine plans to do. What results is one of the most iconic fight sequences of the 21st century?
The SIM cards drive the entire church to violence (Harry included) and further defy expectations by forcing the audience to follow Harry committing heinous acts of violence against his will. Thematically, this breaks the mold of traditional spy and action films by putting a protagonist in a place where he has no control over his actions.
The expertly crafted sequence seamlessly combines shots to create the illusion of continuous takes. It maintains the audience’s attention by combining other characters’ reactions, as Harry has a hidden camera chronicling his actions. These cutaways allow the audience room to breathe while maintaining the continuity of the sequence. Outside of its cultural impact, the sequence has a significant effect on the plot as it informs the audience of Valentine’s power over entire communities without simply telling them.
Editing + Choreography
The entirety of the film has similarly shot sequences with simultaneously easy-to-follow and creative action, utilizing speed ramping and slow motion to emphasize moments and display George Richmond’s impeccable cinematography. Another sequence that explores the action in detail is a final fight sequence between Eggsy as a Kingsman and Gazelle, Valentine’s right hand (Sofia Boutella). This fight sequence further showcases the liquid-smooth action choreography with dynamic camerawork that keeps the audience informed and engaged.
Kingsman: The Secret Service’s intense violence is entertaining to watch due to the dynamic camerawork. While the camera is constantly moving, the audience can still understand exactly what is happening without compromising the style. This style of cinematography is especially important considering the film’s relationship to comic books.
A violent, innovative spy comedy is only as good as its cast, and Kingsman nails that department from its minor characters to its protagonists.
Kingsman — A Royally-Trained Cast
Another factor that indicates Kingsman’s innovation is its cast of British actors. By starring royally trained British actors like Colin Firth and Michael Caine, they get a chance to take on unusual performances in their cases. The performances and script come together to create some iconic line readings in action cinema, such as a line from Firth right before the iconic church sequence begins.
“I’m a Catholic wh*re, currently enjoying Congress out of wedlock with my Black Jewish boyfriend who runs a military abortion clinic. So, Hail Satan, and have a lovely afternoon madam.”
The film also introduces Taron Egerton to mainstream audiences, which would lead to award-nominated roles in films like Rocketman (2019). His role as the protagonist, Gary “Eggsy” Unwin, is integral to the film’s engagement with class, social mobility, and the greater critique of spy franchises like Bond.
Eggsy Unwin’s Unconventional Upbringing
Kingsman: The Secret Service introduces Eggsy as a streetwise rebel and former Royal Marines trainee living with his single mother. His father was a Kingsman who died in action, and his colleague Harry sees traits in Eggsy that he argues make him a perfect candidate to become a Kingsman agent. Before he contacts the Kingsman upon being arrested for stealing a car, it is clear that Eggsy wants to move upward socially for his and his mother’s sake.
Rarely do audiences see the lives that iconic spies like James Bond led before becoming an agent. One of the many ways Kingsman subverts expectations is by understanding that not everyone who ends up as a spy comes from a conventional, healthy background. This is evident in Eggsy’s life before he contacts the Kingsman, trying to help his mother get by despite his poor relationship with her abusive boyfriend.
This is also informed by Egerton and Firth’s chemistry on-screen, with Harry taking Eggsy under his wing, to which Eggsy remarks is “like My Fair Lady.” Details like these show that one does not need to be incredibly educated or rich to be able to make a difference in the world.
Kingsman’s Poignant Class Commentary
Another significant part of Eggsy’s arc in Kingsman contains a discussion of class throughout the second act of the film. While not central, this portion of the film grapples with how Eggsy is perceived by the people around him and how his social status results in preconceived notions about his behavior.
In Eggsy’s introduction to the training program that will determine if he becomes an agent, he is ridiculed by the other men in training, asking Eggsy if they know him from working at a McDonald’s in a train station. Eggsy proves them wrong, eventually, by being the only man left by the final test of the training program.
Eggsy as a character is a commentary on the way spy films nearly exclusively depict characters like James Bond as high-class, often rejecting lower classes that do not fit the mold. Eggsy proves this not only to his fellow trainees but to the Kingsman altogether because they, too, did not feel he was “educated” enough to be a part of such a prestigious organization.
Eggsy’s induction into the Kingsman organization proves that one’s class does not ultimately determine their trajectory in life. Eggsy’s arc in the film revolves around proving he is more than meets the eye and breaking the unfair assumptions his family and fellow trainees make of him.
“A Gentleman With His Own Morals” — How Eggsy Retains His Own Values
At the end of the day, Eggsy stays true to his personal morals and refuses to let becoming a Kingsman change what he holds dearest. While he visually “cleans up” and looks the part of a British spy, he maintains the personal values instilled in him by his mother.
At the beginning of his training, Eggsy is given a puppy to care for for the duration of his training. When he makes it to the end of the training program, he is asked to shoot this puppy to prove himself. Eggsy refuses, is kicked out of the Kingsman organization, and is forced to return to his dysfunctional home. This gives Eggsy a moment for reflection, having seemingly lost his only shot at being more than a disillusioned delinquent.
He returns after the death of his mentor, Harry, to foil the antagonist’s plot to end the world, proving himself to the Kingsman organization as one of the most qualified to do the job. In short, Eggsy’s refusal to shoot a dog he developed a genuine connection with exhibits his ability to stand by his morals and not blindly follow orders, something he would likely have grappled with had he stayed with the Royal Marines.
Eggsy’s arc in Kingsman: The Secret Service is indicative of the importance of staying true to oneself and rejecting what society deems one should aspire to be due to factors such as class. The film also looks at the concept of social mobility and how the hand one is dealt in life does not always dictate where one will end up.
Kingsman stands apart not only because of the spy hero and his relationship to class but also because of its depiction of its relationship to the greater action genre.
Reinventing Action: Kingsman & Its Positive Genre Shift
In a cinematic landscape with more than its fair share of comic book adaptations, Kingsman: The Secret Service still serves audiences a fresh and creative adaptation that recognizes its roots and remains relevant even as the James Bond franchise has moved to the back burner.
The franchise that was ultimately created following the 2014 adaptation maintains relevance in cinema, with a sequel and prequel releasing not long after the first film. While the mixed critical reception of these films is another story, it is clear that audiences want more complex and visually interesting spy stories.
These subsequent films also aided rising actors, with Pedro Pascal and Harris Dickinson starring in Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) and The King’s Man (2021), respectively. These actors now have comparable levels of success to Egerton when the first film was released. It is clear that the filmmakers still see these not just as subversive action films but as a chance for rising stars to get their names out in a major studio film.
The film still holds up technically even as audiences are stunned by the action and stuntwork in the John Wick films and other recent action films. Kingsman: The Secret Service utilizes a similar style of shooting action to the John Wick franchise, which shifted audience expectations for action movies to be clear and steady instead of haphazard and shaky like the Bourne films.
Kingsman was complimented in the US by the innovation of 2014’s John Wick by further shifting the action genre in a positive, more stylized direction. Newer action films like Bullet Train (2022) and Nobody (2021) exist partly due to Kingsman‘s stylized action sequences and its closeness in release to John Wick.
What Made Kingsman So Special?
Kingsman: The Secret Service clearly indicates a new era of action blockbusters while taking a chance as a satire against the James Bond films. By discussing themes like class and personal morals, it understands its comic book counterpart while stylizing its action to create a distinct visual and cinematic identity for itself.
It also introduces general audiences to actors, such as Egerton, who will become mainstays in modern film. These traits allow Kingsman to maintain relevance in conversation with other action films. Kingsman: The Secret Service is a staple of contemporary action films and an important factor in the positive shift of the action genre in the mid-2010s.
Footnotes
- Collura, Scott. “Matthew Vaughn Talks Choosing Kingsman: The Secret Service Over X-Men: Days of Future Past, Changing the Comic, and Bringing Fun Back to Spy Movies.” IGN, 19 Nov. 2014. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
- Phegley, Kiel. “MILLARWORLD EXCLUSIVE: Inside ‘The Secret Service.’ Comic Book Resources, 10 January 2012. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025. ↩︎
- “‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’.” Box Office Mojo. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025. ↩︎
- Leston, Ryan. “Kingsman Almost Got a Trailer That Included All Six James Bond Actors.” IGN, 21 April 2022. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
- Vaughn, Matthew, director. Kingsman: The Secret Service, 20th Century Fox, 2015. ↩︎
- Alloway, Steven W. “‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ – Trade Paperback Review.” Fanbase Press, 6 September 2017. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025. ↩︎
- Debruce, Peter. “Film Review: ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’.” Variety, 27 Dec. 2014, Accessed 28 Jan. 2025. ↩︎
- “How Kingsman Pulled Off One Of The CRAZIEST Fight Scenes In History.” YouTube, uploaded by Nerdstalgic, 3 Sept. 2021. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025. ↩︎