Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Matthew Vaughn's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- Matthew Vaughn originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a 2017 British-American action comedy film directed by Matthew Vaughn, the sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service. When the Kingsman headquarters is destroyed and most of its agents killed by Poppy Adams, a cheerful drug cartel leader played by Julianne Moore who operates from a 1950s-themed compound in the Cambodian jungle, surviving agents Eggsy and Merlin discover their American counterpart β the Statesman, a spy organization disguised as a Kentucky bourbon distillery. The Statesman agents, including Tequila played by Channing Tatum, Whiskey played by Pedro Pascal, and Champagne played by Jeff Bridges, join forces with the Kingsman to stop Poppy's plan to hold the world's drug users hostage for legalization.
The Golden Circle expanded the franchise's world-building while maintaining the first film's anarchic energy and R-rated action sequences. The resurrection of Harry Hart, revealed to have survived the church massacre through a procedure called Alpha Gel, was the sequel's most anticipated element. Elton John's extended cameo as a kidnapped, foul-mouthed version of himself was a comedic highlight.
The film earned $410 million worldwide on a $104 million budget.
