The King's Man

The King's Man

Year: 2021

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Vaughn

ActionAdventureThrillerComedyCrime

As Europe hurtles towards World War I, a team of extraordinary spies must race against time to thwart a sinister plot orchestrated by history’s most nefarious figures. This action-packed adventure explores the formation of a secret intelligence organization and the dawn of espionage, blending thrilling action with clever humor and unexpected twists.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The King's Man (2021)

Trace every key event in The King's Man (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Visit to a Concentration Camp

In 1902, British aristocrat Orlando, the Duke of Oxford, his wife Emily, and their son Conrad visit a concentration camp in South Africa during the Second Boer War. Their humanitarian efforts with the Red Cross take a tragic turn when a Boer sniper fatally wounds Emily, leaving Orlando to promise her that their son will never witness the horrors of war again.

1902 South Africa
2

Orlando's Spy Network

Twelve years after the tragedy, Orlando establishes a clandestine spy network composed of domestic servants from powerful governments. He recruits Shola and Polly, instructing them to safeguard the UK from the impending Great War while also dealing with his son Conrad's desire to enlist.

1914
3

Conrad's Aspirations

Conrad expresses eagerness to join the British Army, but Orlando is determined to prevent this, fearing for his son's safety. Utilizing his connections, Orlando persuades Lord Kitchener to block Conrad's enlistment despite the mounting pressure of the impending war.

1914
4

Journey to Sarajevo

Orlando accompanies Archduke Franz Ferdinand on a trip through Sarajevo, reflecting the tensions building in Europe. This journey takes a drastic turn when Gavrilo Princip throws a bomb in an attempt to assassinate the Archduke, leading to chaos in the region.

1914 Sarajevo
5

The Assassination

Despite Conrad's brave intervention, both Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie are assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. This assassination sends shockwaves across Europe, igniting fears of confrontation among the continent's interconnected royal families.

1914 Sarajevo
6

Royal Families in Turmoil

Following the assassination of Ferdinand, European royal families including King George, Tsar Nicholas, and Kaiser Wilhelm grapple with the escalating crisis. Kaiser Wilhelm seizes the opportunity to mobilize his armies, disrupting the fragile peace established by Queen Victoria.

1914
7

Provocation by The Shepherd

Under directives from The Shepherd, Erik instigates Kaiser Wilhelm to disregard King George's counsel and mount an offensive against Austria. This cunning maneuver contributes to the outbreak of World War I, setting the stage for a global conflict.

1914
8

The Flock's Scheme

Orlando uncovers that Princip is tied to a group known as 'The Flock,' whose goal is to stoke war among empires. Their operations are influenced by Captain Morton, who is secretly scheming for Scottish independence amidst the conflict.

1914
9

Rasputin's Influence

Grigori Rasputin, the mystic and close advisor to Tsar Nicholas, attempts to poison the Tsar's son but ultimately provides a cure instead. This event illustrates Rasputin's pivotal role in influencing Russia's involvement in the war, showcasing the murky intersection of politics and mysticism.

1914
10

Kitchener's Demise

Conrad informs Kitchener and Major Morton of Rasputin's plots; however, their ship is sunk by a German submarine, resulting in Kitchener's death. Heartbroken, Orlando inducts Conrad into his espionage network as the war escalates.

1915
11

Confrontation with Rasputin

Orlando, now joined by Shola and Polly, confronts Rasputin during a chaotic Christmas party. After a fierce battle against Rasputin and his followers, they manage to eliminate the mystic and thwart his dangerous influence over the Tsar.

1915
12

Conrad's Tragic Decision

Despite turning 19, Conrad's yearning to serve in the military grows, leading him to swap places with a soldier named Archie Reid. Concealing his identity, he infiltrates No-Man's Land but is tragically misidentified as a German spy and executed.

1916
13

Uncovering Critical Intelligence

In his final act, Conrad uncovers vital intelligence regarding the Zimmermann Telegram, which has significant implications for the US entering the war. His sacrifice lays a foundation for future espionage efforts during this tumultuous time.

1916
14

Confronting the Shepherd

Orlando discovers that President Woodrow Wilson is being blackmailed by Mata Hari, leading him to unveil The Shepherd's true identity. With the help of Shola and Polly, they confront Morton, who is killed during the confrontation, and vital evidence is recovered to sway US involvement in the conflict.

1917
15

Establishing the Kingsman Tailor Shop

As the war draws to a close, Orlando assumes control of the Kingsman Tailor Shop, using it as a front for his espionage network. Each ally adopts code names inspired by Arthurian legends in honor of Conrad, solidifying their commitment to protecting the nation's future.

1918

Last Updated: April 16, 2025 at 14:33

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The King's Man Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The King's Man

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The King's Man

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The King's Man Ending Explained

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