The Oscar-winning King's Speech actor Colin Firth is set to go into uncharted territory with his first leading role in an action tentpole, Matthew Vaughn‘s adaptation of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons‘ comic book series, The Secret Service.
Vaughn co-wrote the script with Jane Goldman in the same fashion as he adapted Millar's comic Kick-Ass. Described as ‘James Bond meets My Fair Lady,' Firth would play the uncle should a deal get made.
Vaughn was previously intended to pair Firth with Aaron Johnson, but it looks like only Firth will be involved due to scheduling.
The plot centers on a ‘London hoodlum who is recruited by his uncle into a secret British spy school that transforms young troublemakers into refined, charming secret agents in the mould of James Bond.'
Filming is getting underway in August, due for release on November 14th, 2014.
Firth – typically cast in romantic comedies and period dramas – will next appear in Arthur Newman and Devil's Knot. The Secret Service role would no doubt mark a shift in his career.
