Kick Ass

 

 

 

 

Inspiration

 

 

The inspiration for  Kick Ass came from the 8 part comic book series of the same name, written by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. The story of Dave Lizewski, a teenager who sets out to become a real life superhero. His actions are publicised on the Internet and inspire others. He gets caught up with ruthless vigilantes Hit-Girl and Big Daddy who are on a mission to take down the gangster John Genovese.

 

Producers

Matthew Vaughn

Brad Pitt

Kris Thykier

Adam Bohling

Tarquin Pack

David Reid

Director

Matthew Vaughn

 

Screen Play

Matthew Vaughn

Jane Goldman

 Cast

Aaron Taylor Johnson - Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass. Aaron Taylor Johnson also narrated the film.

Chloe Grace Moretz - Mindy Macready / Hit-Girl

Mark Strong - Frank D'Amico

Nicolas Cage- Damon Macready / Big Daddy

Christopher Mintz Plasse -  Chris D'Amico / Red Mist

 

Development The rights for the movie version of kick ass were sold before the first issue  of the comic book was published. The script for the movie and the comic book were written at the same time. Even though they have slight differences like in the comic book Big Daddy isn't a ex cop like he is in the film, hes an accountant.

 

Development Fiance

Kick ass struggled to get a production company to go along with the script. Most companies wanted to change the level of violence and swearing in the film. Companies doubted that a film with a violent superhero would be successful. In the end Vaughn independently financed the film, a benefit of this was it allowed him to create the film in the way it was originally intended.

 

Pre Production

Vaughn now had the difficult task of finding the perfect cast for Kick Ass. His main problem was finding an actor that would perfectly fit the role of kick ass. Vaughn had cast the other roles but was still looking for someone to play kick ass. His search for the perfect actor took him so long that he nearly had to push the movie back 6 months. Sarah Finn and Lucinda Syson were Vaugh's casting directors, they suggested that he look back over previous actors. Vaughn had previously turned down Aaron Johnson's tape without even viewing it. Vaughn finally watched Johnson's tape and after hearing him read for the first time knew he was the perfect kick ass.

 

Production

The filming for kick ass took place in Toronto Canada. Dip'N' Sip Donuts and Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School are a few places within Canada that are shown. Filming also took place at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England. The film had been independently financed and there was worry about whether or not a distributor would pick it up. The production companies involved in Kick Ass were Marv Films and Plan B Entertainment. The film did get picked up by distributors, Universal Pictures distributed it in the UK and Lionsgate Films in the US

Marketing
Kick Ass used the usual methods of marketing to get publicity for the films release. Posters were used on buses and billboards. Trailers were also shown on TV, in the cinema and on DVDs. There was a lot of marketing for Kick Ass as it was expected to be successful, even in light of the controversy. It could be said that too much of the Kick Ass story line was realised through the trailers, this didn't effect the film when it was realised as it was a huge success. A few issues of the comic book had also been released before the film came out so the audience had the opportunity to read up on the characters before watching the film. Some of the actors along with Matthew Vaughn and others from  the production of Kick Ass went to Comic-con as a way to promote the film, clips of the film were shown and the actors spoke about their role in the film.

 

 

An array of different trailers were released in the build up to Kick Ass. These included a teaser trailer, an extended trailer and an international trailer. The trailers sparked the controversy about Chloe Grace Moretz' involvement in the movie, Moretz was only 11 at the time and is shown using explicit language and violence. A later trailer was released showing Moretz saying 'Okay you cunts, let's see what you can do now.' Even with the controversy that surrounded it Kick Ass was a success at the box office with even more sales when it was released on Blu- Ray and DVD

 

 

 

Kick Ass Teaser Trailer

 

Kick Ass Extended Trailer

 

Kick Ass International Trailer

 



Kick Ass Hit Girl Red Band Trailer

 

 

 

The premier for Kick Ass was held in Leicester Square, London. The cast, directors, producers and screenwriters attended as well as special guests. The film was given as budget of $28 million and made a box office total of $96,188,903. Despite having gained controversy for its profanity and violence performed by a child, it was received well by both critics and audiences. The film was released on DVD and Blu- ray on August 3rd 2010, selling 1.4 million copies within the first week (DVD and Blu-ray sales)