Los Angeles, July 2, 2025, The Old Guard 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Netflix’s 2020 hit, is now streaming on the platform.
Now helmed by director Victoria Mahoney, who steps in for Gina Prince-Bythewood, the sequel picks up with Andromache “Andy” of Scythia (played by Charlize Theron) and her team of immortal warriors as they confront internal betrayal and a powerful new enemy.
In a surprising narrative twist, Andy has lost her immortality, setting a melancholic tone that pervades the film. The story’s emotional backbone centers on her fractured relationship with Quỳnh (Vân Veronica Ngô), trapped for centuries in an underwater coffin. Quỳnh is rescued by Discord, a new antagonist portrayed by Uma Thurman, who manipulates her grief and rage into a vendetta against Andy.
The sequel also continues to hint at a possible romantic arc between Andy and Quỳnh. However, critics charge that the film “lesbian codes” their interactions without delivering on genuine representation, leaving their bond emotionally muted rather than explicitly developed.
Upon release, reviews were heavily negative:
- The Daily Beast criticizes the movie for its lackluster action choreography and emotionally hollow narrative. They note Theron’s performance remains stoic and unvaried, while much of the ensemble is underutilized, cushioning the film’s climax that never quite lands.
- San Francisco Chronicle’s Mick LaSalle labels the sequel “lifeless and unfulfilling,” observing that, unlike the original’s compelling blend of vulnerability and heroism, the second film “lacks coherence, character development, and a compelling story.”
- SFFGazette summarizes the early reviews bluntly: “You’ll be hard pushed to find a critic with many positive things to say,” spotlighting the failure of the high-stakes confrontation between Theron and Thurman to rekindle the first film’s spark.
Adapted from Greg Rucka’s comic, the sequel’s script was handled by Rucka himself. Production saw its share of turmoil: principal photography began mid 2022 in Italy and was marred by a fire at Cinecittà studios, causing delays. Editing wrapped in late 2024 following additional pickup shoots.
The cast features returning favorites, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, alongside Henry Golding and newcomer antagonist Discord, portrayed by Thurman.
The Old Guard 2 wraps in a cliffhanger, teasing further sequels, but the critical consensus is pessimistic. While faithful fans may welcome further exploration of the immortals’ world, most reviews suggest this sequel fails to recapture the originality and emotional energy of the first film, leaving the franchise’s future looking murky.
