‘Argylle’ Mid-Credits Cements Matthew Vaughn’s Shared Cinematic Universe

** SPOILERS BELOW, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK **

The mid-credits scene of Argylle has brilliantly laid the groundwork for an enthralling crossover with the Kingsman series, hinting at a shared universe that could unravel countless new narratives. 

But it also depends heavily on how you look at it.

Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Argylle is a cinematic adaptation of a fictional spy narrative created by reclusive author Elly Conway, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard. The story unfolds as Conway’s imaginary world of espionage, featuring Agent Argylle played by Henry Cavill, begins to mirror real-world spy events. The star-studded cast includes Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson.

[SPOILER ALERT: We will be discussing spoilers from here on so last chance to turn back now if you’re not ready!]

During the third act, it’s revealed that while Agent Argylle was created by Elly, he is based on an actual person – secret agent Rachel Kylle (R. Kylle… geddit?), who as it turns out, is Elly. After losing her memory, Rachel turns into Elly, but creates Agent Argylle based on her repressed memories. 

So is Argylle real? Reports suggest the current active development of an Argylle prequel series focusing on Cavill’s character. The series reportedly features Louis Partridge, known for his role as the fan-favourite Lord Tewkesbury in Netflix’s Enola Holmes, as a younger version of Cavill’s Agent Argylle. 

The mid-credits scene, set two decades earlier and going hand in hand with said reports, features Partridge in a bar named ‘The King’s Man’. It portrays young Argylle, under the alias Aubrey Argylle, potentially being recruited by the Kingsman as they hand him a pistol and a silencer.

The intent is unmistakable: Matthew Vaughn aims to intertwine the worlds of Kingsman and Argylle. Adding to the excitement, Vaughn also hints at a forthcoming Argylle sequel, reportedly adapted from Elly Conway’s first novel, set to hit theatres in the near future.

So here’s the thing. If Argylle is based on Rachel Kylle, and Argylle is a Kingsman, is Vaughn implying that Rachel is a member of the Kingsman and was recruited 20 years ago?

Or is it likely that the Kingsman organisation exists within the Argylle book universe, and this would seem the only way for Henry Cavill to continue playing Argylle?

There could be a third theory based on a trucker character who appears at the signing of Elly’s final book, played by Henry Cavill, at the end of the movie. Maybe Elly got the looks for Argylle based on a real spy she knew as secret agent Rachel Kylle, and she knows that he’s an agency for Kingsman, and that spy is actually disguised as the trucker to check on his old friend, Rachel. This can explain how Cavill can continue to play an agent in the Argylle film universe because the one he plays in this movie is not real.

Argylle aims to launch a franchise based on a series of unpublished books penned by the mysterious Elly Conway. Vaughn has revealed that the first film in the franchise is based on the fourth novel, with plans for the second movie to delve into Argylle’s origins. The Kingsman saga currently consists of two main films and a prequel titled ‘The King’s Man’. Future expansions include a final chapter for Eggsy’s story and a second prequel. 

With the addition of ‘Argylle 2’, the universe is becoming increasingly intricate. It’s worth noting that Kingsman and Argylle already have some common threads, notably Samuel L. Jackson and Sofia Boutella, who appear in both franchises, albeit in different roles.

Argylle is out in cinemas now.