Matthew Vaughn, director of the bombastic Kingsman films, revealed that he might not return to the director's chair for Kingsman 3. The Kingsman films are based on a comic book series of the same name, written by Mark Millar with art by Dave Gibbons. The first film, Kingsman: The Secret Service, received acclaim for its over-the-top action sequences and subversion of well-worn spy movie tropes. Two films have followed since: 2017's Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and the upcoming prequel The King's Man.
Vaughn has helmed all three Kingsman films. His stylish and punchy directing style was an immediate highlight that both critics and fans pointed out. Vaughn was a noted director within the comic-book genre before, as he had directed well-received films like X-Men: First Class and Kick-Ass. Vaughn has noted how he used his previous experience to help influence the Kingsman franchise, hoping to learn from what he perceived as mistakes in his past work. Vaughn's approach seems to have worked for the most part. Despite several mixed reactions to aspects of Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the film was still a hit at the box office and managed to retain the spirit of the original. Vaughn's directing style, it would seem, is a necessary aspect of what makes Kingsman work.
In an interview with Empire, Vaughn revealed that he might not return to direct Kingsman 3. The director said that currently, he hasn't made up his mind on whether or not he'll return to the franchise. Vaughn had previously spoken about how he wants to hand off the next installment to a new director but now is unsure of choice he will make. Vaughn noted how a new director could really shake the franchise up, but also remarked about his excitement about the things they'll be setting up in The King's Man that will be paid off in Kingsman 3. Regarding a new director taking over, Vaughn said “I actually don’t know what I want to do. There is an opportunity for a director to really change it up, but I’m considering it.”
Another reason Vaughn may be willing to hand the reins over to a new director is that the series will begin to shift starting with The King's Man. Vaughn already noted how the new film will differ from the previous two, with it being set nearly a century prior to The Secret Service and the lack of Harry Hart (Colin Firth) and Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton), the previous films' leads. In the same Empire interview, Vaughn also mentioned that Kingsman 3 itself will be very different from the previous films in the franchise. From Vaughn's point of view, a shift in tone could be a reason he'd want a fresh eye behind the camera.
While it is unknown whether or not Matthew Vaughn will return to the Kingsman franchise, his passion for the series can't be mistaken. Vaughn has mentioned how he thinks the story in Kingsman 3 is important and needs to be told. He has also not shied away from the Kingsman franchise's weaker aspects and has been vocal about wanting to fix them. It seems like Vaughn would do whatever he thought was best for the franchise, even if it means removing himself from the director's chair. Whatever his choice may be, fans should be hopeful that Kingsman 3 will be in good hands, and will be helmed by someone with a vision and passion for the franchise.
Source: Empire
