In 2020, Netflix's action-packed thriller The Old Guard delivered a unique spin on the superhero genre, garnering 72 million views within its first four weeks of release. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Greg Rucka, the film introduced audiences to a team of immortal warriors, led by Charlize Theron's Andromache “Andy” the Scythian, as they grapple with their endless lives and the weight of protecting a world that often feels unworthy of their sacrifice. With an ensemble cast that includes KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, and Luca Marinelli, the movie delivered a seamless blend of adrenaline-fueled action and surprising emotional depth.
But five years later, fans are still waiting for The Old Guard 2 to hit their screens. Production delays, strikes, and reshoots have plagued the sequel, leaving its release date uncertain. Despite the hurdles, Netflix's commitment to the franchise remains steadfast. So, what's really going on with The Old Guard 2? Let's dive into everything we know so far and what we can anticipate from the long-awaited sequel.
What's Taking So Long?
When The Old Guard premiered in 2020, its critical acclaim (an impressive 80% on Rotten Tomatoes) and massive viewership numbers made a sequel a no-brainer. By 2021, Netflix had officially greenlit The Old Guard 2, with Victoria Mahoney set to direct. Filming began in 2022, and by the end of the year, principal photography was reportedly complete. So, why has the sequel been stuck in limbo?
According to Charlize Theron, who has been vocal about the delays, Netflix underwent significant leadership changes during the post-production phase in 2023, stalling progress for several weeks. As if that weren't enough, the SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 further disrupted Hollywood's pipeline, leaving the project in limbo once again. In late 2024, reports surfaced that the film required multiple rounds of reshoots, with the first batch completed that October and additional photography scheduled for mid-2025.
While reshoots are often perceived as a red flag, they're also an indicator of a studio's investment in a project. Netflix's decision to sink more resources into The Old Guard 2 suggests that they're aiming for a high-quality final product, even if it means pushing the release to 2026 or beyond.
What Can We Expect From the Plot?
Although Netflix has yet to release an official synopsis, fans can make educated guesses based on the first film's cliffhanger ending and Greg Rucka's source material. The final moments of The Old Guard revealed that Quynh (Veronica Ngo), Andy's former comrade who spent centuries trapped in an underwater prison, is alive and seemingly out for vengeance. This revelation sets the stage for a deeply personal and potentially heartbreaking confrontation between Andy and Quynh.
Rucka's graphic novel offers further clues. The second volume explores the fallout of Andy's decisions, as well as the team's struggle to reconcile their dark pasts with their current mission. The synopsis reads: “When you've waged war as long as Andy and her squad, you've gotten your hands more than bloody. Now, the day has come to confront the sins of the past. But as Nile struggles to make peace with the team, the last person Andy expected to ever see again returns to challenge not only what Andy believes in, but what the team is willing to fight for.”
Perhaps most compelling is Andy's loss of immortality, a twist revealed in the first film. Stripped of her self-healing abilities, Andy is now vulnerable for the first time in centuries, raising the stakes for every battle she faces. This development adds a layer of tension and fragility to her character, ensuring that the sequel will be as emotionally charged as it is action-packed.
The Heart of the Franchise
What sets The Old Guard apart from other action films is its emotional depth and philosophical exploration of immortality. The first film tackled themes of isolation, purpose, and sacrifice, offering a poignant look at what it means to live forever in a constantly changing world. Andy's team may be invincible in battle, but they're haunted by centuries of loss, betrayal, and moral compromise. This emotional resonance is what makes the franchise more than just a collection of well-choreographed fight scenes.
Charlize Theron's performance as Andy anchors the story, bringing a world-weary gravitas to a character who has seen humanity at its best and worst. The sequel promises to delve even deeper into these themes, particularly as Andy grapples with her newfound mortality and the unresolved guilt of leaving Quynh behind.
Personal Impressions
As a fan of both the graphic novel and the film, I'm eagerly anticipating The Old Guard 2. The first movie struck a perfect balance between action and introspection, and its diverse cast and female-driven narrative felt like a breath of fresh air in the genre. While the delays are frustrating, they also signal that Netflix is committed to delivering a sequel that lives up to the original's high standards. If The Old Guard 2 can maintain the emotional depth and dynamic character arcs that made the first film so compelling, it will undoubtedly be worth the wait.
What are your hopes for The Old Guard 2? Do you think Andy's loss of immortality will change the team dynamic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
