Matthew Vaughn’s 007 homage, Kingsman: The Secret Service, was a surprise hit. Even fans of the stylish director – those of us who knew he’d deliver quality – likely were caught off guard by the mainstream appeal of the bawdy thriller. At last count, Kingsman had banked more than $400 million worldwide, and strong rumors swirled about an inevitable sequel. But would one of the film’s biggest stars return?
We have to talk openly about Kingsman, so please stop reading if you haven’t seen the film yet. The film's available on Digital HD as we speak. See it immediately!
So, if you are still reading, then you know that Colin Firth’s mentor spy character, Harry Hart, bites the dust in the movie. Following the eye-popping church-fight scene, Harry confronts the maniacal Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) and is shot in the head at point-blank range for his troubles. You’d assume that takes Firth out of Kingsman 2, when those plans solidify, but the actor’s headstrong co-star – Taron Egerton – has other plans. I got Egerton on the phone to talk all things Kingsman, and I asked him just how "dead" Harry actually is. People die in movies all of the time, only to return. (Marvel movies, especially.) How dead is Harry? Egerton told me:
Well, I mean, I think he’s pretty dead. Shot in the head. But, I mean, I still have dreams that … I always thought it would be lovely to see Eggsy and Harry reunited. I have this, you know, I have my own fantasies about that. But I haven’t heard anything to suggest that he will be coming back. Unless they build a robot version of him, or he has an evil twin or something."
We wouldn’t even be entertaining the concept of Colin Firth returning for a possible Kingsman 2 if not for comments made by director Matthew Vaughn after it appeared that Kingsman was going to be a big hit. The director told USA Today at the time:
A lot of people are very upset that Colin might not be in the sequel but I’m coming up with ideas at the moment. If people buy tickets in America, I’ve got a feeling we’ll figure out a way for having Colin back."
Well, Mr. Vaughn. People bought enough tickets. The audience wants Firth back. Your lead actor, Taron Egerton, wants Firth back. Tell us: what do you have planned?
Kingsman: The Secret Service reaches DVD on June 9. The producers are trying their best to get Kingsman 2 in order. We can only hope Colin Firth will somehow be involved.
