Netflix’s slick follow-up to its pandemic-era fantasy action hit, “The Old Guard 2,” struggles to justify its own existence. While it’s not a poorly acted or poorly shot film, it lacks the compelling spark that made the original so engaging.
Returning to the screen are the franchise’s core cast members, including Charlize Theron as the now-mortal Andy. In the film’s thrilling opening sequence, Andy storms a lavish Italian villa where shadowy arms dealers are stockpiling weapons. To create a diversion, she sends Joe (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky (Luca Marinelli)—the franchise’s beloved queer couple—on a winding car chase with some of the goons. Meanwhile, James Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), once an adversary and now an ally, joins Andy in raiding the villa.
The sequence is brought to life with slick editing from Matthew
Schmidt (“Captain
Unfortunately, the rest of the movie doesn’t live up to this energetic start. Directed by Victoria Mahoney, *The Old Guard 2* is weighed down by a flat, underdeveloped script by Greg Rucka. The narrative is thin, with little emotional depth or character development to sustain interest. While a few new faces are introduced, they fail to make a meaningful impact.
The story unravels quickly. Unlike the first film, which took time
to build its mythology, the sequel rushes through exposition.
Despite its high production value and returning talent, “The Old Guard 2” feels emotionally disconnected and narratively scattered—a sequel that offers action without impact, and characters without arcs.
Booker is swiftly welcomed back into the group when he reveals that Quỳnh (Vân Veronica Ngô)—Andy’s long-lost, once-imprisoned partner—has resurfaced after centuries beneath the sea and is now allied with the mysterious Discord.
The film’s
narrative quickly devolves into unnecessary globe-hopping, with lackluster
dialogue dominating the screen.
The script
offers few character arcs, and there’s barely any reference to the outside
world—even though, supposedly, these immortals were exposed just six months
ago. Yet somehow, they move about unnoticed and unchallenged.
Despite its
sprawling plot, *The Old Guard 2* makes surprisingly poor use of its ensemble
cast. Key characters like Nicky and Joe, once central to the emotional core of
the original film, vanish for long stretches.
Copley is given
little to do, lacking any standout moments or clear narrative role.
Tuah informs
Booker that, as the last immortal, a wound from her could either strip another
immortal of their powers or pass her immortality on to someone else.
Even the film’s
villain, Discord, is underwritten—a shallow antagonist with little depth or
motivation. Without Uma Thurman’s commanding presence in the role, the
character would likely be forgettable altogether.
The Old Guard 2
ultimately centers almost entirely on Theron, which becomes a
problem—especially since Andy herself feels underwhelming this time around.
While some of the
other characters briefly reflect on the nature of mortality, Andy never
meaningfully addresses her own experience of living without immortality for the
past six months. Instead
The film brushes
past this potentially rich emotional arc, offering only a throwaway joke about
hangovers and a few shots of her struggling to get up.
There’s no real psychological depth or emotional insight into her newfound humanity—the film treats the concept more as a checkbox than a theme worth exploring.
Even Andy’s relationship
with Quỳnh feels underdeveloped and out of focus. Rather than introducing a new
antagonist like Discord—who seems included primarily to satisfy genre
expectations by staging a climactic takeover of a nuclear facility in
The film might
have fared better by scaling back and concentrating on the emotional core
between these two women. When director Victoria Mahoney allows their
estrangement to unfold with intimacy, The Old Guard 2 briefly finds its
emotional footing.
One standout
moment features Andy walking through a series of alleys, their walls gradually
transforming into the architecture of ancient
What follows is
a beautifully staged, emotionally charged fight that conveys centuries of pain
and unresolved conflict between them far more powerfully than dialogue ever
could.
If the film had
leaned more into moments like this, it might have avoided sinking into the
narrative bloat that ultimately drags it down.
Despite
Mahoney’s best efforts, The Old Guard 2 fails to transform its fleeting moments
of promise into something truly compelling. The characters who once carried the
weight of centuries—who spoke with reverence about the past and showed deep
care for one another—now feel hollow. That soulful presence from the first film
is missing.
There’s no real
sense of camaraderie or shared purpose; the team barely feels like a team at
all. Instead, these characters seem like placeholders, simply going through the
motions of a concept rather than inhabiting it. At times, it feels as though
they’re just passing time, waiting for the next sequel.
You can’t help but wonder if the cast was more focused on enjoying their downtime than fully committing to the story—because what ended up on screen rarely suggests otherwise.
People Who Want
to Know About Movie:
Is An Old Guard
2 coming out?
She is everything you want her to be. When we had scenes together,
she'd look at me and the fanboy would come out.” The Old Guard 2 comes roaring
back to life July 2, only on Netflix. In the meantime, you can relive the first
film The Old Guard now
Why is The Old
Guard 2 taking so long?
Production Setbacks: A fire on set in
Is there an Old
Guard 3?
The Old Guard 3 has not been officially confirmed. However, Greg
Rucka, the writer of the comics upon which the series is based, said in a 2020 interview
with Looper.com that the Netflix adaptation was intended to become a trilogy.
Why is Andy no
longer immortal?
The specifics of how Andy lost her immortality in The Old Guard
are unknown. This is because the film doesn't give a definite answer. In the
first film, Andy learns about her immortality's loss after receiving a stab
wound that doesn't heal the way it used to
Is Angelina
Jolie in Old Guard 2?
The Old Guard 2 | Charlize Theron & Angelina Jolie Movie | Netflix
The much-anticipated sequel to The Old Guard has finally arrived, and the
action-packed saga continues with a powerhouse cast, including Charlize Theron
and Angelina Jolie.
Why did
Andromache lose her immortality?
In The Old Guard 2, it is revealed that Andy lost her immortality
due to an accidental wound inflicted by
How did Booker
give Andy immortality?
Andy regains her immortality when Booker deliberately transfers
his powers to her. Knowing that
Will Booker be
in Old Guard 2?
Everyone on Andy's team, except for
Who is Discord
Old Guard 2?
The Old Guard 2 is back for more action, adventure and immortal
battles. In the Netflix film, which is a sequel to 2020's The Old Guard, a
group of everlasting superheroes led by Andy (Charlize Theron) face off against
one of their own. But Discord (Uma Thurman) isn't just any immortal — she's the
first of their kind.
How old is Andy
in The Old Guard?
Characters. Andy – a 6,000+ year old woman known as Andromache of
Scythia who is the leader of The Old Guard.
How did Quynh
escape the old guard?
It is not revealed how Quynh has escaped, but it is hinted she was
able to slow break her way through her tomb (similar to how Uma Thurman's Bride
does so in Kill Bill Volume 2) over the centuries of her captivity. What she
hasn't done over those hundreds of years, however, is lose her sense of humor
How old is
Andromeda in Old Guard?
In the comic books Andromache claims to be 6,732 years old. ↑
McNeill, W. H. (2020, November 12).
Why is
The explanation comes through Tuah, an ancient immortal who
understands the cycle of immortality better than anyone. He reveals that
Does Quynh lose
her immortality?
Discord soon captures Nile, but not before
Why did Booker
betray The Old Guard?
Andy asks what we're all thinking: “Why?” It turns out Book's
tragic decision isn't motivated by evil — he's simply weary of being immortal. He's
convinced that if
Is Andy the
strongest?
He is deemed the strongest Negator by the First Seat who is Uma
Soul, making his remark especially important as it means even to him, who
governs souls, Andy has an incredible degree of soul manipulation.
Why isn't she
immortal in Old Guard 2?
In The Old Guard 2, it is shown that Andy lost her immortality
because of a wound she got from
What is
Angelina Jolie's last movie?
Year
Title Role
2020
The One and Only Ivan Stella (voice)
2021 Those
Who Wish Me Dead Hannah Faber
Eternals Thena
2024 Maria Callas
Who is
KiKi Layne
The Old Guard (2020) - KiKi Layne as
Who tried to
become immortal?
Gilgamesh's story is among the oldest stories recorded. Qin Shi
Huang, the First Emperor of China who reigned during 259 BC–210 BC, also sought
immortality in his old age. Twice he sent hundreds of people under the
direction of Xu Fu to find the legendary elixir of life, but failed.
Who is Discord
married to?
Growing up, Fluttershy lived in Cloudsdale (pegasus city) until
she decided to leave and during that time got a small cottage just outside
Ponyville and the
Is Discord
older than Andy?
According to Tuah, Discord is the Oldest immortal (older than Andy,
even) and witnessing the persecution of her kind did not make her believe in
immortal solidarity, but that she would only be protected by amassing wealth
and power—and hoarding it for herself.
Which immortal
died in The Old Guard?
Lykon was an immortal and former member of the Old Guard. He is
the first immortal known to have died and not regenerated again.
How did Quynh
survive The Old Guard?
The film later reveals that Discord was the one who found and
saved Quynh after 500 years so she could recruit her
Andy and her team of immortal warriors continue their mission to
protect humanity. This time, they have to face off against a formidable new foe
who threatens the very fabric of the Old Guard, while also dealing with the
return of an immortal who was thought to be long lost.
What To Know
About
Charlize
Theron is a South African and American actress and producer. One of the world's
highest-paid actresses, she is the recipient of various accolades, including an
Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. In 2016, Time named her one of the 100 most
influential people in the world.
Born: August 7, 1975 (age 49
years),
Children: August Theron
Awards: Academy Award for
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Parents: Charles Jacobus
Theron, Gerda Jacoba Aletta Maritz
Upcoming movies: The Odyssey, Fast X: Part 2
About Uma
Thurman
Uma
Karuna Thurman is an American actress. She has performed in a variety of films,
from romantic comedies and dramas to science fiction and action films. Following
her appearances on the December 1985 and May 1986 covers of British Vogue, Thurman
starred in Dangerous Liaisons.
Born: April
29, 1970 (age 55 years),
Spouse: Ethan Hawke (m. 1998–2005),
Gary Oldman (m. 1990–1992)
Children: Maya Hawke, Levon
Hawke
Parents: Nena Thurman, Robert Thurman
Height: 1.81 m
Full name: Uma Karuna Thurman
About Veronica
Ngô
Ngô Thanh Vân, also known as
Veronica Ngô or by her initials NTV, is a Vietnamese actress and singer. Wikipedia
Born: February 26, 1979 (age 46
years), Cầu Kè District, Vietnam
Height: 1.71 m
Siblings: Ngo Phong, Ngo Vu
Nationality: Norwegian, Vietnamese
Other names: Veronica Ngo
Spouse: Huy Trần (m. 2022)
About
Layne is an American actress. She is known for her film roles in the romantic drama If Beale Street Could Talk, the drama Native Son, the action superhero film The Old Guard, the romantic comedy Coming 2 America, and the psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling. Wikipedia
Born: December
10, 1991 (age 33 years),
Height: 1.76 m
Nationality: American
About Henry
Ewan
Golding is a British actor
of Malaysian origin. He has starred in the romantic comedies Crazy Rich Asians
and Last Christmas, the thriller A Simple Favor, the action comedy The
Gentlemen, as ... Wikipedia
Born: February 5, 1987 (age 38
years),
Spouse: Liv Lo (m. 2016)
Parents: Clive Golding, Margaret
Likan Golding
Height: 1.86 m
Nationality: British, Malaysian
About Matthias
Schoenaerts is a Belgian
actor. He made his film debut at the age of 13 in Daens, which was nominated
for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Wikipedia
Born: December 8, 1977 (age 47
years),
Upcoming movie: Supergirl
Siblings: Bruno Schoenaerts
Parents: Julien Schoenaerts, Dominique
Wiche
Height: 1.87 m
AboutChiwetel
Umeadi
Ejiofor is a British actor. He is the recipient of various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and a Laurence Olivier Award, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards. Wikipedia
Born: July 10, 1977 (age 48
years), Forest Gate,
Upcoming movie: Children of
Blood and Bone
Awards: Order of the
Parents: Arinze Ejiofor, Obiajulu
Ejiofor
Siblings: Zain Asher
About Luca
Marinelli is an Italian actor.
He is best known for the roles of Mattia in The Solitude of Prime Numbers, Guido
in Every Blessed Day, Andrea in The Great Beauty, Cesare in Don't Be Bad, The
Gipsy in They Call Me Jeeg, the title character of Martin Eden, Nicky in The
Old Guard, and the title character of Diabolik. Wikipedia
Born: October 22, 1984 (age 40
years),
Spouse: Alissa Jung
Awards: Volpi Cup for Best
Actor · See more
Parents: Eugenio Marinelli
Height: 1.8 m
About Marwan
Kenzari is a Dutch actor. Starting
his career in 2008, he first came to prominence for his role in the 2013 film
Wolf, which earned him a Golden Calf award for Best Actor. Wikipedia
Born: January 16, 1983 (age 42
years),
Height: 1.83 m
Film: Aladdin, Black Adam, The
Angel, Old Guard, De Oost
Nationality: Dutch
About Kamil
Nożyński, ps. Saful (ur. 22
września 1983 w Nowym Dworze Mazowieckim) – polski aktor, raper i członek
zespołu Dixon37.
Kamil Nożyński – Wikipedia, wolna
encyklopedia
https://pl.wikipedia.org ›wiki › Kamil_Nożyński
Born: September 22, 1983 (age
41 years),
Height: 1.85 m
Paki Meduri
Production designer
Born: August 2, 1972 (age 53
years),
Arts directed: What's the Big
Deal, Adil & Yusuf
Productions designed: Suburra,
The Old Guard 2, Padrenostro · See more
Awards: Nastro d'Argento for
Best Production Design
Nominations: David di
Donatello for Best Production Design, Nastro d'Argento for Best Production
Design
About Slavko
Sobin is a Croatian actor. Wikipedia
Born: November 13, 1984 (age 40 years),
Parents: Mirjana Sobin
Height: 1.86 m
Nationality: Croatian
About Lorenzo
Acquaviva was born on 12
November 1968 in
Lorenzo Acquaviva - IMDb
Born: November 12, 1968 (age 56
years)
Feedback
About Peter
Arpesella is an actor and
award winning writer based in
Born: January 26, 1964 (age 61
years)
Spouse: Annie Wood
About Christophe
R.
TEK is an International actor
playing in English, Chinese and French. His work includes a variety of roles
from independent films (Lena Dunham's Catherine, called Birdie) to blockbusters
(Valerian), to TV series (Emily in
Christophe Tek - Biography - IMDb
https://www.imdb.com › name ›bio
Born: 1978 (age 47 years)
About Todd
Cattell was born in the
Todd Cattell: Movies, TV, and
Bio - Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com ›prime-video › actor ›
About Mary E.
Vogt is known for Crazy Rich
Asians (2018), Hocus Pocus (1993) and Batman Returns (1992). Nominated for 2
Primetime Emmys. 2 wins & 11 nominations total.
Mary E. Vogt - IMDb
Born: 1950 (age 75 years)
Awards: Costume DesignersGuild Award for Excellence in Costume Design for a Contemporary Film
Nominations: Primetime Emmy
Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Series · See more
Movies: The Old Guard 2
Why did The Old
Guard 2 flop?
Between the half-baked ending,
the underdeveloped plot, and the brief hints of interesting backstory, we're
left with a movie that by any reasonable metric is kind of a flop — but where I
still find myself perversely hoping for a sequel.
Is The Old
Guard 2 a success?
According
to FlixPatrol, The Old Guard 2 has been Netflix's number one movie across the
globe for three days in a row, accumulating a total of over 1,800 points so far.
Thanks to its success, the original The Old Guard also witnessed an uptick in
interest. It claimed the third spot on July 4.
The Old Guard 2 concludes with a cliffhanger, as the antagonist Discord captures key characters and threatens to harness their immortality. A follow-up to the 2020 film, it finds Andy coming to terms with her lost immortality while confronting a formidable new enemy. Despite a talented cast and a few thrilling action scenes, the sequel has received mixed reviews, with critics pointing to sluggish pacing, a thinly developed storyline, and an unsatisfying conclusion
The Old Guard 2 Official Trailer
Plot and
Characters
The story picks up after the
events of the first film, with Andy (Charlize Theron) now grappling with the
loss of her immortality.
Quynh (Veronica Ngo), Andy’s long-lost
partner, resurfaces—but shockingly, she is aligned with a new antagonist, Discord
(Uma Thurman), who is determined to unlock and exploit the secret of
immortality.
The core group of immortal
warriors—
The film also introduces Tuah (Henry
Golding), a mysterious figure from the past whose knowledge may hold the key to
understanding the origins and limits of immortality.
Critical Reception
The
Old Guard 2 has garnered mixed reactions,
with many critics labeling it a lackluster follow-up to the original.
While
the action sequences and performances—particularly those of Charlize Theron and
Matthias Schoenaerts—have earned praise, the film has been widely criticized
for its uneven pacing, muddled storyline, and an unsatisfying cliffhanger
ending that leaves too many questions unanswered.
Ending and Future
The
film wraps up on a significant cliffhanger, leaving the fate of several
characters hanging in the balance.
This
open-ended conclusion has sparked mixed reactions—while some viewers are
intrigued, others have found it frustrating and unsatisfying.
Director
Victoria Mahoney has stood by her creative choices, defending the ending as a
bold narrative decision.
At
this time, the future of the franchise remains uncertain, with no official
confirmation of a third installment.