20th Century Studios' The King's Man features an ensemble cast composed of both easily recognizable seasoned actors and talented newcomers. The action-adventure comedy will finally hit the screens in December 2021, after being postponed seven times, as its original release date was in November 2019. The movie, which will serve as an origin story for Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle, is directed and produced by Matthew Vaughn, who worked on its screenplay with Karl Gajdusek. However, despite the undoubted talent behind the camera, it's the cast that really stands out.
The King's Man is set during the First World War. It follows the Duke of Oxford (Ralph Fiennes) as he introduces his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson) to the Kingsman, as it's often referred to in the series, "the first independent intelligence agency." The two will need to work with the other members of the organization to thwart a plot by a group of evil masterminds that want to provoke a war that will kill millions.
Known historical figures will appear as characters, such as Russian monk Rasputin, Dutch spy Mata Hari, and Gavrilo Princip, the Bosnian Serb who effectively started World War I by assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife. Many of them are portrayed by renowned actors. Here's a guide to the cast, the characters they play, and where they've appeared before.
Ralph Fiennes As The Duke Of Oxford
Ralph Fiennes plays a similar role as Colin Firth in Kingsman: The Secret Service, introducing the new kid to the Kingsman agency. He's aristocratic, and it shows in his manners. He's the father of newcomer Conrad, and he looks like the head of the group of agents. Fiennes is a world-renowned actor with an extensive career in theatre and big-screen roles. One of his most famous roles is that of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. More recently, he could be seen starring in Netflix's The Dig, true-story inspired British drama Official Secrets, and James Bond's 25th installment, No Time To Die.
Harris Dickinson As Conrad Oxford
Harris Dickinson stars as Conrad, son of Fiennes' Duke of Oxford and newcomer to the Kingsman agency. Similarly to Taron Egerton's Eggsy, viewers will see the agency presented through Conrad's eyes, only this time it would be the original organization just before World War I. Dickinson can be recognized from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and for his role as Frankie in Beach Rats, for which he received a nomination for Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Gemma Arterton As Polly Wilkins
Gemma Arterton plays Polly, an efficient agent who runs the mansion where the training takes place and is also involved with the secret service. She's an expert sniper, along with handling the strategic side of operations. Arterton can be recognized from her roles in Prince Of Persia, Vita & Virginia, and the TV miniseries Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
Djimon Hounsou As Shola
Djimon Hounsou stars as Shola, instrumental in starting the Kingsman organization and caretaker of it. He's involved with training the recruit and in missions on the ground. Hounsou's acting career spans decades, and he can be recognized for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel, among many other films.
Rhys Ifans As Grigori Rasputin
Rhys Ifans plays the historical figure Rasputin, the Russian monk known for his influence over the Russian Tsar. Ifans' Rasputin is involved with the dark cabal who will try to overthrow the perilous world order. Ifans is known for his role as Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, his iconic role in Notting Hill, and for playing The Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man.
The King’s Man Supporting Cast & Characters
Tom Hollander as King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Tsar Nicholas II - In The King's Man, Hollander plays a trio of famous historical figures involved with World War I. Hollander himself is best known for his roles in About Time, Pride & Prejudice, and Bohemian Rapsody.
Valerie Pachner as Mata Hari - Austrian actress Pachner plays the Dutch spy and dancer Mata Hari. Pachner can be recognized from her role in Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life.
Daniel Brühl as Erik Jan Hanussen - Spanish/German actor and director Daniel Brühl plays mentalist and publicist. Brühl himself is best known for his roles in Rush and Captain America: Civil War.
Joel Basman as Gavrilo Princip - Swiss star Basman appears as the Sarajevo attacker who inadvertentlty started World War I. Basman previously starred in Hanna and, more recently, in Kursk.