Typical words to describe Colin Firth: Talented. Sexy. Smart. But 'badass dude' doesn't really make the cut. Nor does 'bloody funny'. Until now.
His new film Kingsman: The Secret Service hits cinemas tomorrow, and it's hard to say who is having more fun: Colin, Michael Caine (who plays his mentor), newcomer Taron Egerton (who plays his protegee), Samuel L Jackson (who plays his nemesis), or the audience. Either way, it will pretty much reinvent the way you see Mr Firth. As will our exclusive interview in the March issue, where Colin displays a delightfully self-deprecating sense of humour and a predilection for other people's chips (he stole ours. Twice).
Photo: Robert Harper
Colin was trained to play Kingsman's lethal assassin Harry Hart by a team of Olympic athletes and trained killers. It was a humbling experience: 'I was a bit... scared. The training [involved] trying to get bits of me moving that hadn’t moved in years. Just to get the hinges going, you know.'
Which was, he admits, the motivation behind casting him: ‘I can bring all the expected stuff of playing a buttoned-up gentleman, but the surprise comes when I do the moves,’ he says. ‘It’s that idea of, “Get out of the way, Grandad, or you’re going to get hurt.”’
If you haven't booked a ticket to see Kingsman: The Secret Service already, do so now. It's the most enjoyable way to pass two hours you will find this month.
You can see the our shoot and read the full interview in the March issue of ELLE on sale now. Or buy it here and have it delivered direct to your door
