The Old Guard 2 debuts on Netflix with Charlize Theron facing Uma Thurman

The Old Guard 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 action film, premiered on Netflix on July 2, 2025, with Charlize Theron reprising her role as Andy, the leader of a group of immortal warriors. Directed by Victoria Mahoney, the film introduces Uma Thurman as Discord, the antagonist described as the first immortal, in a confrontation that heightens the franchise’s tension. Filmed in 2022 but delayed in post-production due to internal changes at Netflix, the movie features brutal action scenes and a plot exploring Andy’s mortality. With a $140 million budget, the production is based on Greg Rucka’s graphic novels and may be the penultimate chapter of a trilogy. The global release occurred between 12 AM and 4 AM Brasília time on the streaming platform.

The franchise, which garnered 72 million views in one month with the first film, now delves deeper into the immortals’ mythology. The story follows Andy and her team as they face new enemies while dealing with losses and betrayals. New cast additions, like Henry Golding as Tuah, a mysterious ally, promise to enrich the group’s dynamics.

• Key highlights of the film:
  • Charlize Theron’s return as Andy, now mortal.
  • Uma Thurman as Discord, the first immortal and central villain.
  • Directed by Victoria Mahoney, with a script by Greg Rucka and Sarah L. Walker.
  • $140 million budget and reshoots in 2024.

The first film’s success established The Old Guard as a leading action franchise on Netflix, and expectations for the sequel are high.

The road to release
The production of The Old Guard 2 faced significant challenges. Principal photography wrapped in August 2022, but post-production was halted for five weeks due to shifts in Netflix’s management. Charlize Theron, also a producer, emphasized that the project was never at risk of cancellation but required patience. In 2024, additional reshoots were conducted to refine the film, ensuring the quality fans expect.

The substantial budget reflects Netflix’s ambition to make the franchise a cornerstone of the action genre. Victoria Mahoney’s selection as director brought a fresh perspective, with the filmmaker revealing she watched the first film over a hundred times to capture its essence. The result is a movie that balances intense combat sequences with introspective moments about immortality.

Star-studded cast and new faces
The Old Guard 2’s cast blends familiar faces with heavy-hitting newcomers. Charlize Theron leads as Andy, now grappling with the vulnerability of mortality. KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngô, and Chiwetel Ejiofor return to their roles, ensuring continuity for the immortal team.

Uma Thurman, known for Kill Bill, debuts as Discord, an antagonist set to deliver memorable clashes. Henry Golding, as Tuah, adds intrigue to the story, with his character described as an ally holding answers about the origin of immortality. Theron noted that the cast’s chemistry was immediate, recreating the bond seen in the first film.

A high-stakes plot
The Old Guard 2’s story deepens the conflicts of the original. Andy, now mortal, leads her team against Discord, who aims to impose a new order among immortals. The official synopsis indicates the group faces an enemy threatening humanity while navigating internal betrayals and the return of Quynh, played by Veronica Ngô, seeking revenge after centuries of imprisonment.

The trailer, released on May 8, 2025, showcased action sequences featuring swords and hand-to-hand combat, maintaining the franchise’s visceral style. The narrative also explores Andy’s leadership as she strives to do good in a context of fragility. Tuah’s arrival, as an ally with secrets, adds layers to the immortals’ mythology.

Greg Rucka’s role in the franchise
Greg Rucka, creator of the graphic novels and screenwriter for both films, ensures fidelity to the source material. Alongside Sarah L. Walker, the script for The Old Guard 2 expands the mythology, exploring the immortals’ past and connections. Rucka has indicated that the comics provide enough material for a trilogy, though Charlize Theron expressed caution about confirming a third film.

The graphic novel, illustrated by Leandro Fernández, is known for its mature take on the superhero genre, tackling themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and existentialism. The film retains this essence, balancing action with reflections on the burden of immortality.

Directorial shift and tone
The transition from Gina Prince-Bythewood, director of the first film, to Victoria Mahoney marked an evolution in the franchise. Mahoney, with credits in Lovecraft Country and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, brought a reverent yet innovative approach. Her direction emphasizes more brutal action sequences and a denser tone, reflecting Andy’s challenges as a mortal.

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• Notable changes in the sequel:
  • Andy has lost her immortality, raising the stakes.
  • Discord, played by Uma Thurman, is the first immortal.
  • Quynh returns with a vengeance arc.
  • More intense and realistic action sequences.

Mahoney worked to preserve the first film’s representation, such as Joe and Nicky’s relationship, which remains an emotional highlight.

Netflix’s bet on the action market
The Old Guard 2 is one of Netflix’s biggest bets for 2025, competing with traditional Hollywood franchises. The first film, released in 2020, drew 72 million viewers in a month, cementing the franchise as a global hit. The platform invested in marketing, including a premiere at the Tudum Theater in Los Angeles, attended by Theron and Thurman.

Netflix sees potential to expand The Old Guard universe, with possible spin-offs exploring other immortals or historical periods. The sequel’s success will shape the franchise’s future, but the platform’s confidence is clear in the budget and promotional campaign.

Initial reception and expectations
The Old Guard 2’s debut sparked significant anticipation among fans, fueled by the trailer and the star power of Theron and Thurman. Early reviews, like one from Cinepop, called the sequel disappointing in some aspects but praised its action sequences and performances. The denser narrative may divide opinions, but the Andy-Discord showdown is a major draw.

The franchise is lauded for its representation and grounded approach to action. Nile, played by KiKi Layne, and Joe and Nicky’s relationship reinforce the story’s diversity. Expectations are high for the film to match the original’s success, potentially paving the way for a third installment.

Prospects for a trilogy
While Charlize Theron said she is unsure if the franchise will conclude as a trilogy, producer Marc Evans and Greg Rucka suggested that The Old Guard 2’s ending sets up a third film. Netflix has not officially confirmed a continuation, but the graphic novels’ rich mythology offers ample material for more stories.

• Factors that could influence a third film:
  • Audience and critical reception of the sequel.
  • Viewership performance on Netflix.
  • Charlize Theron’s interest in continuing as Andy.

Spin-offs exploring other immortals or historical eras were also mentioned, potentially expanding the franchise’s universe.

Technical details and production
The Old Guard 2’s production faced logistical hurdles, including a fire during filming and a shoulder injury to Charlize Theron requiring surgery. Reshoots in October 2024 ensured a polished final product, with a focus on action sequences and visual effects. The soundtrack and cinematography were also highlighted as strengths, complementing the film’s epic tone.

The movie retains the original’s visual style, with choreographed combat blending swords, firearms, and hand-to-hand fighting. Mahoney’s direction emphasizes the brutality of the clashes, while the cinematography captures diverse settings, from deserts to urban cities.