Samuel L. Jackson joins The Secret Service

Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of The Secret Service has added some more A-list clout to its steadily growing ensemble, with Samuel L. Jackson signing on to play the villain.

Adapted from the comic-book by Mark Millar, the film will follow a veteran secret agent who takes on a young protege and gradually exposes him to the tricks of the trade.

Colin Firth and Taron Egerton are already on board, with Vaughn having been keen to secure a big name for the chief antagonist. Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio were reportedly considered before Jackson bagged the part.

Casting attention will now turn to the film's female lead, with Variety claiming that Emma Watson and Bella Heathcote are currently the front-runners to land the gig.

Adapted from the source material by Vaughn and writing partner Jane Goldman, The Secret Service will open in the US on 14 November 2014, with a UK date to be confirmed.

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.