While the world waits for the next James Bond film—expected in 2028 from director Denis Villeneuve—another British spy franchise is making waves on streaming. The King's Man, the 2021 prequel starring Ralph Fiennes, has surged in popularity on HBO Max this June, proving that sometimes a film just needs a second chance.
According to FlixPatrol, the movie has cracked the top ten most-watched films on HBO Max this week, bouncing between fifth and sixth place. In several international markets—including Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania—it's even hit the number one spot. This streaming success is a surprising turnaround for a film that nearly derailed the acclaimed Kingsman series.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who co-wrote the script with Karl Gajdusek, The King's Man serves as a prequel to the stylish spy franchise that began with 2014's Kingsman: The Secret Service. That original film, starring Colin Firth and Taron Egerton, was a hit, blending over-the-top action with sharp British wit. Its sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, followed in 2017. But the prequel, set during World War I, failed to match the box office or critical success of its predecessors.
With a budget of $95–100 million, The King's Man earned just $126 million worldwide—the lowest in the franchise. Critics were lukewarm, giving it a 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, however, were kinder, awarding it an 80% Popcornmeter score. Now, with its HBO Max resurgence, the film is finally getting the attention it deserves.
The ensemble cast is a major draw. Ralph Fiennes leads as Orlando Oxford, the founding Kingsman known as Arthur. Gemma Arterton plays Polly Wilkins, a maid and spy who becomes Galahad. Rhys Ifans delivers a memorable turn as Grigori Rasputin, while Matthew Goode portrays the villainous Shepherd. Their performances bring depth to a story that explores the origins of the Kingsman organization amid the chaos of World War I.
This streaming revival comes at a time when spy fans are hungry for content. The James Bond franchise is in transition, with no new leading man announced yet to replace Daniel Craig. For those craving espionage thrills, The King's Man offers a fresh take on the genre, mixing historical events with the franchise's signature flair. If you missed it in theaters, now is the perfect time to catch up.
HBO Max has become a haven for underappreciated films finding new audiences. Earlier this month, Jupiter Ascending also saw a streaming boost. And with James Cameron's Avatar saga dominating the platform, it's clear that viewers are eager for big-screen spectacles at home.
For fans of spy movies, The King's Man is a must-watch. It's a reminder that even a franchise's low point can find redemption—and that Ralph Fiennes is as compelling a spy as any. Whether you're a Kingsman completist or just looking for a gripping WWI-era thriller, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.
