The Idea:
· - Kick ass was originally a comic book written by Mark Millar and illustrated by John Romita JR. The comic was published by a branch of Marvel comics called Icon imprint.
- Millar described that the idea of the comic came from his own life and how he wanted to be a superhero like Batman.
- Before the comic series was released, a video was posted on YouTube showing the character ‘Kick-ass’ preforming a heroic act outside a supermarket.
- To name the main character a charity auction was held. The winner Dave Lizewski chose to name the character after himself.
- Scriptwriting for the film adaptation started in May 2008. The script is written by Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman, and the movie directed by Vaughn.
- The film was produced by Matthew Vaughn, Brad Pitt, Kris Thykier, Adam Bohling, Tarquin Pack, David Reid
- Vaughn and Millar had planned on collaborating before the comic was even written.
Development Finance:
- Vaughn initially went to Sony, which distributed Layer Cake, but he rejected calls to tone down the violence. Other studios expressed interest but wanted to make the characters older. In particular studios wanted to change Hit-Girl's character into an adult. Goldman said that while studio executives said that it would be less offensive to portray Hit-Girl as a teenager.
- The film was independently financed as many studios felt that the film would be too violent and offensive for audiences.
- On the set Vaughn jokingly referred to Kick-Ass as something that was going to be "the most expensive home movie I ever made." As the most of the budget for the film was raised independently.
Script Development:
- As Vaughn had no studio at the time to back the film, he had little trouble adapting the comics into a screenplay.
- Millar and the screenwriters tried to keep as close to the comic books feel and plot, yet some characters had to be changed to attract more audiences not just the fans of the comic.
- There are many differences between the film and the comic, but none that alter the storyline too much.
Pre-Production:
Casting:
- Aaron Johnson as Dave Lizewski, Johnson was in the right age range for the part. Dave is a quiet and sensitive character.
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse auditioned for the part of Dave Lizewski but was too confident and loud for the part. The casting directors immediately gave him the role of Red Mist as they felt he would suit it more.
- Aaron Johnson as Dave Lizewski, Johnson was in the right age range for the part. Dave is a quiet and sensitive character.
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse auditioned for the part of Dave Lizewski but was too confident and loud for the part. The casting directors immediately gave him the role of Red Mist as they felt he would suit it more.
Shooting
- The film was shot mostly around Canada.
- Atomic Comic book store is based around a real comic store owned by a friend of Millars.
- There are many special effects in the film from a flying jetpack to very graphic injuries.
- The film was shot mostly around Canada.
- Atomic Comic book store is based around a real comic store owned by a friend of Millars.
- There are many special effects in the film from a flying jetpack to very graphic injuries.
Post-Production
- The soundtrack is by many different artists. The title song is sung by mika and co-written by Jodi Marr and produced by RedOne.
- John Murphy composed many songs to suit the movie. As well as altering other soundtracks he has used.
Sales
- The Producers sold the film to Universal (UK) and Lionsgate (US)
- The trailer includes Dave saying ‘How come nobody’s ever tried to become a superhero?’. Then a failed attempt of a superhero is shown. The trailer has a light-hearted feel to it, until Hit Girl is introduced.
Marketing/Exhibition
- The cast did some interviews before the film was released and all spoke positively about the film itself.
- Kick Ass received many positive reviews. Yet some reviewers felt that the film was ‘twisted’ and an ‘abuse of childhood’.
- Hit Girls character caused some shock among audiences as she swears a lot in the film and some people felt it was wrong to show such a young character killing many people and being extremely violent.
- Kick-Ass was reported to be at number 1 ahead of How to train your dragon. Yet it fell to number 3 behind Date Night as well.
- The Film’s final worldwide gross was $96,188,903.
- Kick ass was nominated for many awards and won 7. Chloë Grace Mortez won 4 of these awards for her performance of Hit-Girl.
Other Windows
- A video game was released for iPhone/ipod touches. Yet it received very negative reviews.
- A sequel to the film is currently being shot including most of the original cast. The film is said to be released on the 28th June 2013. Including Jim Carrey and scrubs’ Donald Faison.
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