Vaughn to 'Kick Ass' Independently

Studios Won't Back Violent Teen Saga

According to The Hollywood Reporter director Matthew Vaughn has raised the $30 million necessary to make a film based on Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.'s Kick-Ass comic book series, which is published by Marvel’s Icon, an imprint for creator-owned properties.  Vaughn had to raise the money himself when several Hollywood studios passed on the project due to its extremely violent nature and the youth of the protagonists.  Vaughn (Stardust, Layer Cake) wrote the adaptation himself with Jane Goldman (who also co-wrote the Stardust adaptation), and plans to begin shooting the film this fall.

According to The Reporter Chloe Moretz has already been cast as a ferocious, foul-mouthed, sword-wielding 11-year old, while Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin' from Superbad) is in negotiations to play the angry teenage son of a mobster.  Mintz-Plasse’s character is known and “Red Mist,”and he attempts to uncover the identity of Kick-Ass, the often hapless teen superhero who becomes famous thanks to a cellphone video on YouTube.  The key role of 15-year-old dweeb-turned-costumed superhero Dave Lizewski (aka Kick-Ass) is yet to be cast.