Based on Greg Rucka’s comic book series, Netflix’s R-rated superhero film The Old Guard has captivated audiences since its release on July 10, 2020. Featuring notable actors such as Charlize Theron and Chiwetel Ejiofor, the film has been well-received by viewers and critics alike.
A Streaming Hit
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who made history as the first Black woman to helm a big-budget comic book adaptation, The Old Guard was produced with a $70 million budget. The film quickly made an impact on Netflix, drawing 78 million households in its first four weeks. This success ranked it as the seventh-most-watched direct-to-streaming film of 2020.
Plot Overview
The Old Guard centers on four immortal mercenaries—Andy, Booker, Joe, and Nicky—who possess regenerative abilities. Their mission-driven lives are upended when they are betrayed by former CIA operative James Copley, who schemes to expose and exploit their powers. The film explores the burdens of immortality and the moral implications of their actions.
Critical Acclaim
The film has earned positive reviews, holding an 80 percent critic score and a 70 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Top critic Soraya Nadia McDonald of Andscape praised the film’s combination of “high-octane fights” and a compelling storyline, noting the strong performances of Theron, Ejiofor, and KiKi Layne.
Sequel Developments
Following the success of the original, Netflix greenlit a sequel. Filming for The Old Guard 2 began on June 13, 2022, under the direction of Victoria Mahoney, known for her work as the first Black woman to direct a Star Wars project. The sequel will feature the return of the original cast and introduces Uma Thurman and Henry Golding in new roles.
While details about the sequel’s plot are not yet disclosed, it is expected to continue from the unresolved storyline of the first film. Charlize Theron will also contribute as a producer, aiming to further explore elements from Rucka’s comic book that were not fully depicted in the original film. Rucka will return as the writer for the sequel.
Current Status and Streaming
The Old Guard remains available for streaming on Netflix, providing an opportunity for fans to revisit the film ahead of the sequel’s release. Although The Old Guard 2 completed filming in September 2022, production delays and changes in leadership at Netflix have pushed back its release date. The film is currently in the final stages of post-production. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates while re-watching the original film on Netflix.
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