Unique story with meaningful message
The period of 2020 when the whole world “froze” together. Famous director Matthew Vaughn had an unforgettable time with his family when he selected a series of movies for his wife and two daughters to enjoy. Vaughn’s daughters were crazy about director Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 classic “North by Northwest.” The film is about an ordinary man who accidentally gets caught up in an unusual spy adventure. “And I thought I needed to make a movie like that for my daughters.” Vaughn recounted.
At the same time, a novel called Argylle from writer Elly Conway was sent to Vaughn, about the adventures of a super spy. Combined with his daughters casually suggesting that he should create a “softer” film than his previous works. Argylle is written straight to the point, while “straight” is not in Vaughn’s dictionary. Instead, he developed a “fantasy within a fantasy” screenplay, in which the role of Elly Conway was given to Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World series). Elly is a reclusive female writer, content with her bestselling spy novel Argylle.
But introverts rarely live in peace, and she’s soon drawn into an unexpected adventure after discovering details in her imaginary scenario are disturbingly similar to the real world of spies. , from the villainous organization to the spy Argylle (Henry Cavill) as seen in the book.
With Super Spy Argylle instead of the familiar adventure investigation story, Matthew Vaughn and screenwriter Jason Fuchs promise to innovate the spy action movie genre by approaching a script full of twists and turns. Elly Conway’s escape journey with spy Aidan (Sam Rockwell) parallels Argylle’s memorable missions. Their paths will meet at intersections that are both humorous and ironic.
Classic fashion, engaging action
With a budget of up to 200 million dollars, Argylle Super Spy’s team spent a lot of time building a brand for the super spy, with fashion, music, and a unique color palette. Director Matthew Vaughn promises to bring a fun, energetic, visually impressive work: “In my opinion, Kingsman is an elegant brand, while Argylle is open and bold. These two universes balance each other. We now have two distinct brands, each with its own character and appeal.”
With the film set across the world, each location that Elly and Argylle visit will be built with a distinct color palette and design, reflecting the creative vision of the work.
The fashion in the film impresses with 80s influences and experimental innovations. Costume designer Stephanie Collie has previously collaborated with director Matthew Vaughn on many projects including Silent Night (2021) and Layer Cake (2004). She also worked with actors Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Versace dress that Dua Lipa wears in the film’s opening dance scene required a lot of care. Besides, velvet suits and challenging flat top hairstyle are the highlights of Henry Cavill in the image of super spy Argylle.
The talented crew is full of big Hollywood names
The work has the participation of Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Oscar-winning actor Sam Rockwell, star Dua Lipa, Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Catherine O’Hara, Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and John Cena.
Besides Henry Cavill playing Argylle and Elly Conway, Sam Rockwell plays Elly’s companion Aidan. Meanwhile, the film’s villain was given to Bryan Cranston. Legend Samuel L. Jackson returns to work with Matthew Vaughn after Kingsman in a mysterious role as Alfred Solomon. After a successful cameo in Barbie, Dua Lipa will have the first major movie role in her career as LaGrange – a beautiful female criminal and Argylle’s nemesis. Suicide Squad and Fast & Furious star John Cena plays Agent Argylle’s muscular friend Wyatt.
However, the real star of the film is Chip, Vaughn’s daughter’s cat, as Elly’s companion Alfie, who will never leave the house without Alfie by her side. So, when Aidan drags Elly into a life-or-death race across lands around the world, Alfie also lies still on Elly’s back, in a fashionable cat backpack with dome-shaped windows.
On the first day of filming, the professional cat actor that the crew had recruited suddenly became uncooperative. Director Matthew Vaughn recounted: “So I went into my daughter’s room and picked up Chip, declaring that this cat would work with me for the next three months. Driving to a movie set with a cat in the car was an unusual experience. Chip lived in my truck during the filming of this movie and Chip’s performance in the movie was really great. great!”
SUPER SPY ARGYLLE (original title: ARGYLLE) premieres on February 10, 2024 (1st day of Lunar New Year 2024).
