From spy to ski-jumper, Taron Egerton is cementing a successful future.
One actor who's making waves in the film world right now is British star Taron Egerton, who was named Best Male Newcomer at the Empire Awards earlier this year for his role in the critically acclaimed spy comedy 'Kingsman: The Secret Service'. Now he's returning as the UK's favourite underdog in 'Eddie The Eagle'.
Taron Egerton stars in 'Eddie The Eagle'
The Welsh star made his onscreen debut in a short film called 'Pop', following his graduation from RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in 2012. At just 21 he landed the Stephen Sondheim Society 'Student Performer of the Year' award and became a member of the National Youth Theatre.
His first recognisable role was in two episodes of detective drama 'Lewis' in 2013, before he went on to star in Sky1's firefighter series 'The Smoke' alongside Jodie Whittaker. 'Testament of Youth' was his first feature film; a World War One biopic also starring the likes of Kit Harington, Dominic West and Miranda Richardson. He was nominated at London Film Festival for British Newcomer after that, and then went on to appear in his breakout role as Eggsy in 'Kingsman' opposite Colin Farrell.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film became a huge hit with its depiction of an unlikely streetwise Secret Service member from a modest background. Indeed, the film managed to gross $414.4 million at the box office against a budget of $81 million and propelled Egerton to international recognition.
More: Read our review of 'Kingsman: The Secret Service'
After 'Kingsman' he had a role in Kray twins biopic 'Legend' with Tom Hardy, and now he's just completed filming for 'Eddie The Eagle'; a comedy exploring the life of British Olympic ski-jumper Eddie Edwards, who was hardly Olympic material but still showed the world the importance of determination, perseverance and self-belief. The movie also stars Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken.
Directed by BAFTA nominated Dexter Fletcher in his third stint as a director, following 2013's 'Sunshine on Leith' and 2011's 'Wild Bill', the movie documents Edwards' dreams as a child and the scepticism of his peers, right through to his miracle appearance at the Winter Games, where he was often criticism for making a mockery of the sport of skiing. The film is scheduled for release on April 1st 2016.
It doesn't stop there for Egerton, either. Right now he's filming James Cox drama 'Billionaire Boys Club' with Kevin Spacey and lending his voice to the animated musical 'Sing', also featuring the voices of Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane and Jennifer Saunders; he's really among the stars now!
As well as his current projects, he has been announced to star in the 2017 sequel to 'Kingsman' and has the lead role in 'Robin Hood: Origins'; a rather grittier adaptation of the classic story and directed by Otto Bathurst.
Watch the trailer for 'Eddie The Eagle' here:
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