Hollywood stars Rhys Ifans and Tom Hollander collaborated for the first time in a film-maker Matthew Vaughn’s much awaited ‘Raja Man’.
Spy drama, which saw some delays due to the pandemic, will open in Indian cinema halls on Friday, January 14, 2022.
Ahead of the release, Rhys who plays the role of the evil Grigori Rasputin and Tom who plays the triple role of King George V, Tsar Nicholas II and Wilhelm II, sat down for a chat with ETimes candid.
They not only open secret about coming on board ‘Kingsman’ franchise, but also let us on their personal habits added to their character and their mutual admiration for each other.

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What made you come on board this film? Are you a fan of ‘Kingsman’ or the director Matthew Vaughn’s script?
Rhys: I was a fan of both ‘Kingsman’ franchise and Matthew Vaughn, not only for ‘Kingsman’, but his prior films like ‘Kickass’.
I was a big fan of his as a director and when the script arrived, it was very out there.
It was kind of a no-brainer to get on board.
That and my players will work with the whole package.
It is a wonderful thing.
You both have a prominent role, Rhys, as Rasputin and Tom King of England, Tsar and Kaiser.
What are some of your personal touch brought to this character’s history?
Tom: It’s a good question because you feel that it is a historical character, then what business you have to put all myself into it? Fortunately, it is ‘Kingsman’ franchise, so we are allowed to put the fun bits in.
I will not talk to Rhys because it provides the most exceptional, completely round, brilliant performance, but three of my characters all sketches little or cameos.
You can not help but put yourself into it because you’re playing a character and it is the face and eyes and a funny way you walk.
I can put a lot of my worst characteristics to Kaiser, the most sacred and vulnerable characteristics to Tsar Nicholas I and put reliable, dependable good friend of my element most – which does not always exist in real life – but I could put it into King George V.
Rhys: Well, I certainly can not put my dancing skills to Rasputin.
It was something I had to learn from scratch.
As Tom said, this is not an overall view of people from history.
We are allowed in cases like this, to beautify and build character in a way that is useful and amusing for us actors.
I found it very liberating to play Rasputin.
Visually, with a big wig and beard, it acts as a bit mask and set you free.
To indulge my own innate sense of mischief and subversion, that’s as far as it goes.
The real Rasputin and I had little in common.
Did you say your role as Rasputin’s more fun to play than the Lizard in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’?
Rhys: Rasputin more fun (to play).
The Lizard is largely a creation of CGI and beautiful.
But, it was a bit out of my hands.
Meanwhile, Rasputin, very much mine to toy with.
Read AlsoRhys Ifans playing Lizard in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ and become a ‘fan’ of the former co-star, the end Irrfan Khan – Exclusive
Speaking of ‘Spider-Man’, we lose Irrfan Khan last year, memories of him from the set that you want to share?
Rhys: What a man and what a superb actor and ambassador.
I was a big fan of his work before I had the chance to work with him on (The Amazing Spider-Man).
But yes, it is a big loss for you and the film industry in general.
What is the best part about you two share the screen space and work together?
Tom: Rhys, I would say.
We’ve known each other for a long time, but we do not act together.
It was amazing to watch him play that character.
That is fun!
Rhys: Similar to me.
We’ve been friends for years, but as an actor, I’m a big fan of Tom Hollander.
To watch him bring the three brothers to live in a beautiful way is just great.
And it just kind of professional manner violates the hymen together our work on this job.
‘Raja Man’ starring Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, with Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance.
The film is a prequel Vaughn ‘Kingsman’ spy comedy franchise, which is based on the comic book ‘The Secret Service’ by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.