Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore is poised to succeed Samuel L. Jackson's Richmond Valentine as the new baddie in the "Kingsman 2" movie. She is reportedly in talks to portray the antagonist in the sequel to the 2015 surprise hit that starred Colin Firth and newcomer Taron Egerton.
Specifics about Moore's villain character were not revealed, but Taron Egerton previously hinted that she's someone to watch out for.
"We have a villain to rival Samuel L. Jackson. This new one is so brilliantly written I wish I could play it. It's amazing," Egerton told Collider. He also revealed that the sequel is a "far more international story" compared to the first "Kingsman: The Secret Service" film. With this briefer, it is safe to assume that fans will probably get to see more characters and more action outside of the Service's home turf, London.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Moore is currently juggling several other projects, including the adaptation of the children's book "Wonderstruck," which will be directed by Todd Haynes. The actress' tight schedule might pose filming conflicts that could force her to tap out of the "Kingsman 2" project.
If ever she signs a deal with Fox, Julianne Moore will be the second villain to square off with Taron Egerton's Eggsy.
Julianne Moore has a fairly decent villain portfolio. Her latest appearance as an antagonist in a movie was in "Mockingjay Part 2," in which she portrayed master manipulator and extremist President Alma Coin. She also brought to life the deranged Margaret White in the 2013 remake of "Carrie" and the evil witch Morther Malkin in "Seventh Son."
According to IGN, filming for "Kingsman 2" is scheduled to begin in May. Matthew Vaughn will return to direct the movie.
So far, only Taron Egerton has been confirmed to reprise his role as Eggsy Unwin. Despite strong public demand, there's still no word about a possible Colin Firth comeback whose character, Harry Hart, died in the first movie. "Kingsman" cast members Mark Strong and Sophie Cookson have yet to be confirmed to return.
The "Kingsman 2" movie release date has been penciled in for Jun. 16, 2017.
