Matthew Vaughn Reveals Claudia Schiffer Inspired His Directorial Career

Renowned filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, known for his work as a producer and director of the film Layer Cake, recently shared the surprising story behind his directorial career. During an appearance on The One Show, Vaughn revealed that it was his wife Claudia Schiffer who encouraged him to take the leap into directing. The couple, who tied the knot in 2002, have three children together – daughters Clementine and Cosima, and son Caspar.

Vaughn mentioned that his wife convinced him to direct Layer Cake when another director fell out of the project. It was this pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his successful directorial journey. Vaughn, now 52 years old, has since become a prominent figure in the film industry.

The director appeared on The One Show to promote his upcoming film Argylle, which boasts an impressive cast including John Cena. Vaughn explained that his involvement in the film was partially influenced by his daughters. During lockdown, they watched the classic film Romancing The Stone, which inspired his daughters to ask why he couldn’t create a similar movie.

Offering a significant nod to the celebration of women, Vaughn shared how Argylle highlights the importance of female characters. He iterated that as a father of daughters, he desires a world where women are safe and celebrated. The movie also stars Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Ariana DeBose, and Dua Lipa.

The narrative of Argylle revolves around a spy novelist named Elly, whose fictional stories start to intertwine with real-life espionage conducted by a hidden underground syndicate. The arrival of Aiden, portrayed by Sam Rockwell, a spy with connections to the underworld through his Burgundy winery, leads Elly and her beloved cat Alfie into a covert world of adventure. Aiden informs Elly of her need to meet the elusive real agent Argylle, setting the stage for a thrilling globe-trotting escapade.

Argylle, first announced in June 2021, sees Vaughn directing with a screenplay by Jason Fuchs, adapted from an unpublished novel by Elly Conway. The novel’s publication date has been subject to changes, with the current release slated for November 9, 2023. Fans can anticipate the film’s release in cinemas on February 2, 2024, eager to witness Vaughn’s latest directorial endeavor.