Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service was one of my favorite films in 2014.  The film had a star-studded cast, was hyper violent (to the lies of Quentin Tarantino), and played out like a self aware Bond film.  Thanks to brilliant performances from the entire cast, incredibly well choreographed fight scenes, and a stunning style, the film impressed critics and audiences alike.  We just got the first trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the sequel set to hit theaters this September.  Let’s see how it looks!

Note:  This article will have unavoidable spoilers for Kingsman: The Secret Service, as does the trailer.

All The King’s Horses and All the Kingsman

To say that this trailer is explosive is an understatement.  I was hesitant but excited when I first heard the news of the sequel’s production, and hoped they’d be able to recapture the magic of the original.  I’m glad I was proved wrong, as this is looking like one of the coolest sequels in recent memory.

The trailer starts off with protagonist Eggsy (Taron Egerton) recollecting his initiation into the secret spy organization.  The first film seems to have served as a sort of origin story for Eggsy, with the sequel ramping everything up.

That’s when the literal bomb drops.  Well, not a bomb… but a missile.  That missile collides with the Kingsman headquarters, completely demolishing it.  With no place to call home, Eggsy and Merlin (Mark Strong) appear to be headed for quite the adventure.

A Western Exotic

From here, the trailer absolutely lets loose, spiraling into a songful display of chaos.  We get glimpses of brand new characters, as well as returning favorites.  It’s obvious, from a scene with Eggsy driving an underwater car, that the signature use of wacky and deadly gadgets is back.

The original Kingsman went to some pretty exotic locations, but was mostly contained to the headquarters until the last act.  Kingsman: The Golden Circle looks to be surfing the world, with some gorgeous looking exotic shots.

Just as quickly as we get a glimpse of some beautiful scenery, the trailer smash cuts to Eggsy in the midst of a car chase, ejecting himself out of a car as the door rips from underneath him.  Explosions tear through the streets, as we get a first look at the oddly Western aesthetic.

As the trailer dissolves to more action, we see the introduction of Agent Tequila (Channing Tatum).  Rocking a set of cowboy boots, a big ol’ cowboy hat, and a rather shiny rifle, he breaks into a brawl with Eggsy and Merlin.  Even more fighting ensues after this, with Eggsy taking on a man with a robotic arm.  He shoots it, Iron Man style, which wraps around Eggsy, pulling him through a stone pillar.

The action looks just as quick and stylish as the original, having a sort of comic book vibe to it.  I’m hoping they keep the bloody action, because the hard R rating of Kingsman: The Secret Service is what made it so different from your standard 007 outing.

A Cast Fit for a King

As the explosive action wraps up, we get a few smash cuts of the new faces in the Kingsman world.  We get a look at Poppy (Julianne Moore), Ginger (Halle Berry), another look at Agent Tequila, and the amazing inclusion of Agent Champagne (Jeff Bridges).

As the trailer nears its end, we once again get a taste of the Western aesthetic.  There’s a brief shot of Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), fully decked out in cowboy attire, throwing a set of dueling pistols.  It’s actually one of my favorite shots of the trailer, perhaps aided by my appreciation for Pedro Pascal after his portrayal of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones.  The western aesthetic pops up throughout the trailer as well, with an earlier shot of Eggsy and Merlin donning almost disguise-level costumes.

In a surprise twist, we see the return of Harry Hart (Colin Firth), who was presumed dead after being shot in the face by Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), the villain of the original film.  Wearing an eye patch and occupying a room with walls full of small doodles, it appears as though he’s been kept alive in captivity.  Eggsy and Merlin gaze on at the sight, just as surprised as we are.  As the trailer ends, I find myself pleased, but hoping the trailer didn’t spoil too much.  I have faith in Matthew Vaughn, and can’t wait to dive back in.  Here’s to hoping that it doesn’t disappoint.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle releases in theaters on September 22nd, 2017 in the US, and September 28th & 29th for Australia and Europe.  What were your thoughts on the trailer?  Excited or hesitant?  Let us know in the comments below!  We’ll have a review of the film when it releases, so be sure to come back!