On March 23 and 24, 2025, German television channel ProSieben showcased two action-packed films, Kingsman: The Secret Service and Blackhat, attracting viewers with their thrilling narratives.
The first of the two films, Kingsman: The Secret Service, premiered on ProSieben at 20:15 on March 23, 2025. The film, directed by Matthew Vaughn, portrays the transformation of street thief Eggsy, played by Taron Egerton, who is recruited to the secret spy organization, Kingsman, by agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth). Faced with the chaotic plans of the eccentric millionaire Richmond Valentine, Eggsy undergoes a rigorous and often explosive training regimen to become a Kingsman agent.
Upon its release, Kingsman: The Secret Service garnered popularity and critical acclaim, achieving a commendable rating of 7.5 out of 10 from around 10,500 users on ProSieben’s feedback platform. The film is not only renowned for its humor and engaging plot but also serves as a fresh take on the action genre. Following the success of this first installment, multiple sequels and spin-offs are now in development, ensuring that the Kingsman franchise continues to thrive.
Following immediately after Kingsman: The Secret Service, ProSieben aired Blackhat at 22:45 on the same day. In contrast to the light-hearted tones of Kingsman, Blackhat offers a darker narrative centered around cybercrime. The film follows hacker Chen Dawai (Wang Leehom) as he seeks the help of his old friend Nick Hathaway (Chris Hemsworth) to investigate a power plant explosion in Hong Kong caused by a dangerous computer virus. Hathaway, currently in prison, is granted special permission to assist due to his previous involvement in creating the rapidly exploited malware.
Despite its high ambitions and a notable cast, including Hemsworth and Viola Davis, Blackhat struggled at the box office, earning only $19 million on a hefty budget of $70 million. The film's incorporation of real-world cyber security issues amidst action sequences creates a compelling narrative that some found underwhelming in execution but still worth viewing for the unique take on current technological threats.
After their initial broadcasts, both films promise to remain accessible to viewers. The first repeat of Kingsman: The Secret Service is scheduled for March 24, 2025, at 22:05, followed closely by another airing of Blackhat at 00:45 on March 25. Additionally, audiences can find these films on streaming services. Kingsman: The Secret Service is available for viewing on Disney+, while Blackhat can be streamed for free on Joyn. For those who prefer to rent or purchase, both films are available on Amazon Prime.
As the action genre continues to captivate audiences, ProSieben's decision to air these two compelling films highlights the diversity and excitement present in contemporary cinema. Fans of the genres are encouraged to tune in and explore these narratives that blend humor, thrilling plotlines, and social commentary within the context of espionage and cyber threats.
In conclusion, the airing of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Blackhat not only reflects the ongoing popularity of action-themed films but also paves the way for deeper discussions surrounding the implications of technology and the nature of heroism in unconventional settings. With further installments in the Kingsman series being planned, viewers can expect more exciting takes on classic themes while engaging with new dimensions of storytelling.
