Release Date and Production Timeline
The King's Man premiered in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2021, and was released theatrically in the United States on December 22, 2021, by 20th Century Studios. The film was originally scheduled for a November 2020 release but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the production faced multiple rescheduling periods before securing its final global theatrical window. The film is rated R for strong violence, language, and brief sexuality. Its worldwide box office gross exceeded $125 million against a production budget of $100 million. For more details on the film's production history, refer to the official studio page The King's Man official site.
Historical Timeline of the Plot
The narrative of The King's Man spans from the early 1900s through the outbreak of World War I, focusing on the formation of the Kingsman intelligence agency. The story begins around 1902 and progresses through key historical events including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. The film depicts the origins of the secret service during a period of global political upheaval and espionage. The plot follows Orlando, Duke of Oxford, as he navigates alliances and conflicts to prevent a catastrophic war. The film's timeline aligns with major pre-war diplomatic crises and the early 20th-century arms race. For historical context on the period, see the World War I overview.
Cast and Franchise Context
The King's Man features an ensemble cast including Ralph Fiennes as Orlando, Gemma Arterton as Polly, and Harris Dickinson as Conrad. The film serves as a prequel to the original Kingsman: The Secret Service, which was released in 2014 and based on the comic series The Secret Service by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. The franchise is produced by Marv Studios and distributed by 20th Century Studios. The movie explores the early training and formation of the agency's core principles of "Manners, Morals, and Mortgages." The cast includes characters inspired by real historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Archduke Franz Ferdinand. For the source material, visit the Marv Studios official website.