Fox to Distribute ‘The Secret Service’ From Mark Millar & Matthew Vaughn

[Shotgunjim]

I absolutely loved this story, I have only managed to get 5 of the 6 in the series but it is such a simple story but it reads very well....
(if anyone has the 6th edition let me know!)

It was only a matter of time before The Secret Service, the latest harshly subversive graphic novel from comic writer (and Fox’s own superhero godfather) Mark Millar made its way to the big screen. Now that the screenplay has been completed by Matthew Vaughn, who will also direct the film, Twentieth-Century Fox has secured distribution rights.
Fox was the expected to land the deal since Millar created the ongoing series with artist Dave Gibbons, and it was no secret that the adaptation was simply waiting for Vaughn’s schedule to allow it. Now it’s only a matter of time until production begins, but Millar’s involvement certainly makes it more likely that the original comic’s more… twisted elements could remain intact.

Since the success of Vaughn and Millar’s work on the movie adaptation of Kick-Ass (2010) the match has seemed to be one for the ongoing future, with Vaughn eying several Millar comics for his next project. Deadline‘s report of the distribution deal may not be a shock, but is a clear sign that comic fans should start paying attention. This is the movie that Vaughn passed on directing X-Men: Days of Future Past for, after all.

At first glance, one might assume that Vaughn merely has an aversion to directing sequels – after passing on Kick-Ass 2 and the follow-up to X-Men: First Class – but whether or not that’s the case, Fox is wise to keep Vaughn among their regular talents. With X-Men entrusted to Singer and Millar, and the commercial appeal of that mutant reunion a guaranteed money-maker, Vaughn is set to direct a film far more in keeping with the mind that spawned the likes of Kick-Ass and Wanted.
For those unfamiliar with “The Secret Service,” the graphic novel essentially does for the secret agent/super spy/James Bond genre what Kick-Ass did for the masked vigilante one. If that seems like an odd but intriguing idea, you’re not alone; Vaughn pushed The Secret Service to the top of his pile due to several other ‘rip-offs’ being passed around at major studios. In fact, as Millar explained to CBR, it was the duo’s time spent on the set of Kick-Ass that led them to spawn the concept of the series altogether:

“This all started when Matthew Vaughn and I were talking about ‘Casino Royale’ a couple of years back in the pub between breaks on ‘Kick-Ass…We loved the movie, but wondered why they didn’t do all the stuff where he learned how to be James Bond. We’ve both got a couple of friends in special forces, both here and in the US, and even the real life training, without any artistic license, is really incredible set-piece stuff. If you ramp it up a little, it makes for some incredible scenes in a comic and in a movie.”

Explaining that the comic series is basically “about a young, wayward hoodie kid from North London learning how to be James Bond,” the commonalities between it and the ‘training’ scenes of Wanted are clear. And yes, it is twisted, dark, irreverent, and offensive. This is Millar, after all.

Exactly how excited you are by this news will have much to do with your feelings towards Millar’s unique style and sensibilities. It’s no secret that for many, his reach often exceeds his grasp, but Vaughn and writing partner Jane Goldman have enjoyed success turning Kick-Ass into a memorable cult hit. If the pair can work the same magic, and the property truly is worth Vaughn’s time, it means good things for fans.
How do you feel about another Millar-Vaughn joint? Are you in regardless of what they’re adapting, or will you be waiting to see if this film is up your alley? Leave your own reactions in the comments.
[Update: Fox has confirmed a release date of November 14, 2014 for The Secret Service.]

[Shotgunjim]

‘The Secret Service’: Michael Caine Confirmed; Young Lead Casting Rumors

It’s quite the busy and fertile period for comic book writer Mark Millar. Not only is he helping to mastermind the Fox-owned corner of the Marvel cinematic universe, many of his more provocative works (such as Kick-Ass 2) are making their way to the silver screen.
One of the most promising of these creator-owned adaptations is The Secret Service, the story of an international super-spy who takes a hotheaded English street kid under his wing and begins to train him in high-level espionage. Overseen by director Matthew Vaughn (who previously helmed a Millar adaptation with the original Kick-Ass), The Secret Service is currently assembling a formidable cast – one that has been confirmed to include screen legend Michael Caine (The Dark Knight Rises).
/Film reports that Caine has agreed to sign on as one of the principals in The Secret Service. He joins a cast that includes the previously confirmed lead, Colin Firth (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy). Apparently, Caine will play the head of the secret spy organization central to the film.
Meanwhile, Variety asserts that relative newcomer Taron Egerton is in talks to portray young “chav” street-tough-turned-recruit Gary. Rumors have swirled for some weeks as to who will put on the character’s cap. While not a complete stranger to acting in front of a camera, Egerton is best known for his roles on the British stage and for a guest appearance on the ITV crime serial Inspector Lewis. The Secret Service would be his first appearance in a feature film.
While he has not been completely confirmed for his proposed role, Egerton is much more of a lock than the actresses rumored to be in the running for The Secret Service’s primary female role. Vaughn is rumored to be pursuing either Emma Watson (The Bling Ring) or Bella Heathcote (Dark Shadows) for the part.
Watson is probably the preferred pick of the pair, given her lingering star-power from the Harry Potter franchise and praise she’s recently received for her roles in films such as This is the End. Heathcote has demonstrated that she’s no dramatic slouch, but Watson would definitely bring a known face to a film that already features two bankable stars in lead roles.