Netflix has launched The Old Guard 2 (2025), the sequel to their 2020 action-fantasy in which Charlize Theron starred as the leader of a group of immortal warriors who have battled for centuries to protect humanity in secret. Released on July 2, 2025, The Old Guard 2 follows through with the story and characters from movie one.
Victoria Mahoney directed The Old Guard 2 and, while revisiting characters (as many do) and expanding the story, the sequel features new characters. Critics that have provided early reaction reviews noted that while the sequel aimed for greater emotional heft and bigger action, it fell less short than the first in fulfillment expectations.
The narrative shifts the focus to elevated stakes and a new dilemma
In this new installment, Charlize Theron reprising her role as Andy, the leader of the group of immortals, is the complete opposite of this record. Andy is no longer immortal and this drastically changes her emotional matrix, and the physicality is also more complicated. Along with KiKi Layne as Nile, we see the return of Marwan Kenzari (Joe), Luca Marinelli (Nicky), Matthias Schoenaerts (Booker), and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Copley).
One of the greater changes is the introduction of two new characters, Uma Thurman as Discord, who is a mysterious figure associated with the origins of immortality, and Henry Golding as Tuah, who is a wise and adept fighter. Their presence provides a new level of conflict and dread.
As we follow the gang, they encounter new threats and grapple with unaddressed aspects of their history together. One major part of the story is about Andy dealing with Quỳnh, another immortal character who was lost in the first film. Played by Veronica Ngô, Quỳnh makes a welcome return and plays an integral role in the story.
Where the first film was dynamic and united primarily by the theme of immortality, the sequel has a much greater emphasis on grief, guilt and redemption. This shift may appeal to people looking for a character-driven story, but has also warranted some complaints due to the slower pace.
Consultations split on emotional tone and pacing
Critical reaction has been mixed. The performances, and specifically those of Theron and Thurman, have been generally praised, however, critics cited the slower pace as well as the emotional moments and tone contributing to a lesser excitement when compared to the original.
Critics from The Daily Beast and The San Francisco Chronicle commented the film also focuses on internal struggles; this emphasis interrupts horizon spanning that made the previous film so compelling at times. Some think the sequel does too much with a big cast, leaving characters and subplots feeling half baked.
While the film may not be garnering universal praise, the spectacle of it all is undeniable. Director Victoria Mahoney captures enormous scale in the action sequences, such as the aforementioned helicopter stunt that Theron performed herself, and specific timing of location/date for maximum effect. Mehoney helps bring visual spectacle, even if the screenplay doesn’t always match the emotional timing and story it was hoping for.
There is also a lighter side to the production. At one point, after a character accidentally removes a thumb, it gets awkwarly reattached during the fight. That moment was a hilarious blunder and made everybody laugh so much that they kept it in, and it genuinely was one of the few humorous moments in a very serious film.
In sum, The Old Guard 2 ends on a vague potential for a third, but will depend on audiences' attention or indifference. Reports say the film was released in or leaked online just hours after its release, begging the question of how piracy will affect streaming numbers on Netflix particularly.
Either way, for fans of the first, like the first film sequel The Old Guard 2 dives a little deeper into the immortal warriors; however it takes away some of that successful breakneck energy and concise pacing.
Where Netflix has made a position in franchise content, going forward audience reception to The Old Guard 2 will reckon as to whether this story continues or finishes with this chapter.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): hollywoodreporter.com
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