The Big Reveals at New York Comic Con
Director Matthew Vaughn was a show-stopper at New York Comic Con this weekend, dropping several bombshells about his past and upcoming projects. Known for his work on blockbuster films like X-Men: First Class, Kick-Ass, and Kingsman: Secret Service, Vaughn certainly knows how to capture an audience’s attention, both on and off the screen.
From Superheroes to Super-Spies
The most awaited confirmation from Vaughn came when he announced that not only are a Kick-Ass reboot and Kingsman 3 on the horizon, but he’s also venturing into musicals. But wait, there’s more. He is currently working on his new Apple film, Argylle, which features an ensemble cast navigating “the globe-trotting adventures of super-spy Argylle” across various locations.
“Apple believes in cinema and I believe in cinema,” Vaughn stated during the panel, hinting at a unique cinematic release strategy for Argylle. “It’d be a cinematic release that is right for Argylle, and Argylle is quite specific and different. So weirdly, it lends itself to a whole new way of being released.”
Apple Original Films is pulling out all the stops, announcing that Argylle will have an exclusive theatrical release on February 2, 2024, before streaming worldwide. They’re partnering with Universal Pictures for this venture, so anticipation is high.
The Purr-fect Casting… Or Not?
One of the most unusual, yet fascinating tidbits to come out of Vaughn’s panel was his reveal that he had to fire a cat on the first day of filming Argylle.
“We had a cat on the first day of filming and I fired the cat because he was very expensive and a pain in the ass,” the director openly shared. He didn’t stop there, though, deciding to employ his daughter’s cat instead. “And on this film, I’m now a director and a cat handler, and I don’t like cats to be very clear, I’m a dog person, but I’m now a cat person as well.”
Who’s Who in Argylle?
The cast for Argylle is nothing short of a Hollywood dream team, featuring Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Sofia Boutella, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Dua Lipa, Rob Delaney, Jing Lusi, Ariana DeBose, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film is produced by Matthew Vaughn, Adam Bohling, Jason Fuchs, and David Reid. Not to mention, the script is penned by Fuchs and Elly Conway.
What’s Next for Vaughn?
Vaughn’s plate is full with an impressive line-up of projects, but if his track record is anything to go by, each one will be worth the wait. Whether he’s reviving iconic characters or innovating film release strategies, Vaughn remains a filmmaker to watch. His talents clearly extend beyond the director’s chair, as evidenced by his newfound role as a “cat handler.”
“They say don’t work with kids, don’t work with animals, if they’re your own kid or animal, might be the way to do it,” Vaughn mused, giving audiences and aspiring directors alike a taste of his unique, real-world film wisdom.
On the Horizon: A Filmmaker Who Never Ceases to Surprise
As we await the cascade of creative genius that is sure to come from Vaughn’s upcoming projects, it’s clear that he has firmly positioned himself as a multifaceted talent in the cinematic universe. His ability to juggle genres, assemble star-studded casts, and even manage feline talent proves that there’s nothing Matthew Vaughn can’t do. So mark your calendars and get ready to be entertained in ways you didn’t even know were possible.
