Taron Egerton Defends Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Says Criticism Was Unfair

Eggsy himself, Taron Egerton, will be sitting out the next movie in the Kingsman franchise as it’s a prequel – subtitled The Great Game – set in World War I, but he’ll definitely be back after that for Kingsman 3, which will wrap up the story of the young rags-to-riches spy and his mentor, Harry Hart (Colin Firth). And according to the actor, he wants it to be better received than 2017’s Kingsman: The Golden Circle. 

Though the first movie, The Secret Service, was universally praised, the sequel drew decidedly mixed reactions. Egerton apparently believes that a lot of the backlash was unfair, though he concedes that it might not be as well made a film as the original.

Here’s what he said on the Empire podcast:

“I would like the third one to be better received than the second one was. I felt we got a bit of an unfair kicking if I’m totally honest. I think in some respects it was [difficult] because I just gave everything to it, and then it was so quickly torn down, that I think I did feel a bit of a sting. I think in some respects it probably wasn’t quite as well put-together a film as the first one, but it certainly wasn’t a bad film. And when we got this real kicking- I think what I would like to happen is for us to do a third one and for it to feel like a worthy third installment to what has been a great part of my life.”

You can certainly sympathize with Egerton, as it must be tough for a movie you’re the lead of to be met with harsh reviews. Especially as he’s one of the best things about it. Unfortunately, director Matthew Vaughn and writer Jane Goldman just didn’t deliver the same quality they did with the first film, as the movie’s overlong, a little too self-indulgent, too crass and the way it brings Harry back to life really undercuts all peril in the story.

That said, there was a lot to enjoy about The Golden Circle and many of the problems can be fixed in the third installment to end the trilogy on a high. Egerton might need another hit movie, too, after the box office failure of his latest venture, Robin Hood. At least he’s got Elton John biopic Rocket Man coming next year, which has generated a good deal of positive buzz so far.

Tell us, what are your feelings on Kingsman: The Golden Circle? Are you a fan, or did it let you down? Sound off in the comments section below, and remember, manners maketh man.