Henry Cavill is proving he’s very game for a spy adventure or two.

By Patrick Cremona

Published: Wednesday, 31 January 2024 at 13:57 PM


For a long time, Henry Cavill has been earmarked as a potential future James Bond – and in recent months the former star of The Witcher is certainly proving that he’s game for a spy adventure or two.

First up he’s starring as the titular agent in Matthew Vaughn’s new film Argylle, and as if that wasn’t enough espionage he’s following it up with the lead role in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming action-comedy film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – which even includes Bond creator Ian Fleming as a character.

The film recently launched its first trailer and seems to bear all the hallmarks of its director’s trademark style, so fans of Ritchie’s previous work look to be in luck.

With a plot reportedly inspired by the recently declassified files of the British War Department and an all-star international cast that also includes Eiza Gonzalez and Henry Golding, it certainly looks like one to watch.

So with that in mind, read on for everything you need to know about The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare release date

We’re still waiting for concrete confirmation on the film’s UK release date, but The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare will be arriving in US cinemas on Friday 19th April 2024 – and we’d imagine a similar date for fans on this side of the Atlantic.

When we know that for certain we’ll update this page accordingly.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare cast 

In addition to Cavill – who takes on the lead role of the real-life founder of the No. 62 Commando unit Gus March-Phillipps – the film boasts a star-studded supporting cast.

Among the big names to feature include Reacher star Alan Ritchison, The Gentlemen‘s Henry Golding, Ambulance star Eiza González, Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike), and Hero Fiennes Tiffin (After movies).

Meanwhile, some actors are playing historical figures who will be very recognisable to most viewers – for example, Cary Elwes is taking on the role of Winston Churchill and Freddie Fox stars as James Bond author Ian Fleming.

Other stars set to appear include Babs Olusanmokun (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Til Schweiger (Atomic Blonde), Henrique Zaga (The Stamd), Fisher Stevens (Succession), Danny Sapani (The Diplomat) and Carlos Bardem (Assassin’s Creed).

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare plot

Lionsgate

The official synopsis for the movie reads: “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organisation formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming.

“The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly ‘ungentlemanly’ fighting techniques.

“Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.”

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare trailer

The first trailer for the film arrived at the end of January 2024 and promised fans the chance to “discover the first special forces mission in history.”

It follows Cavill’s character as he is released from prison and asked by Churchill to help on a top-secret mission, although he reveals that the team he would have in mind to accompany him might not be to the Prime Minister’s tastes.

You can check out the action-packed trailer below: