James R | On 11, Jun 2022

Uma Thurman and Henry Golding have joined the cast of The Old Guard 2.

Based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka, the first film followed a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. When the team was recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities suddenly exposed, the group had to eliminate the threat of those who sought to replicate and monetise their power by any means necessary.

Charlize Theron starred as lead warrior Andy, alongside Kiki Layne as the group’s newest recruit, Nile. They were joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harry Melling and Matthias Schoenaerts. The result racked up 186 million hours viewed in its first 28 days of release, making it one of the most-watched Netflix original films to date.

Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngo and Chiwetel Ejiofor are all set to return from the first film. Now, the cast has got some added star power, with both Uma Thurman (Kill Bill) and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) signing on for the sequel.

Rucka will pen the script, while Victoria Mahoney (Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker) will take over from Gina Prince-Bythewood at the helm.

 

Victoria Mahoney to direct The Old Guard sequel

28th August 2021

Victoria Mahoney will step up to direct the sequel to Netflix’s The Old Guard, replacing Gina Prince-Bythewood at the helm.

Based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka, the first film followed a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. When the team was recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities suddenly exposed, the group had to eliminate the threat of those who sought to replicate and monetise their power by any means necessary.

Charlize Theron starred as lead warrior Andy, alongside Kiki Layne as the group’s newest recruit, Nile. They were joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harry Melling and Matthias Schoenaerts. The result was watched by about 72 million households in its first four weeks on Netflix, making it one of the most-watched Netflix original films to date.

“Gina Prince-Bythewood’s lean, mean comic book thriller is a promising franchise starter,” we wrote in our review. “The Old Guard could become the fast and furious new series Netflix has been looking for.”

A sequel was promptly greenlit, with Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngo and Chiwetel Ejiofor all anticipated to return. The sequel will be written by Greg Rucka, who exec-produces alongside David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance; Charlize Theron, Beth Kono and AJ Dix for Denver and Delilah, plus Marc Evans for Marc Evans Productions and Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Now, however, Gina Prince-Bythewood has confirmed that she won’t return at the helm, with Victoria Mahoney instead directing.

Recently, Mahoney served as second unit director on JJ Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, making her the first woman and first Black woman to direct a Star Wars film.

Gina Prince-Bythewood said: “I love The Old Guard and the story and characters I was honored to put into the world. It was exciting to disrupt the genre. I have decided not to direct the sequel, but will stay on as a producer. I leave our franchise in good hands as my girl Vic Mahoney takes on this next chapter.”

Mahoney commented: “Genuinely blown backwards by the collective levels of talent, skill and savvy that went into carving The Old Guard. I must’ve watched it over a hundred times, and as such, cannot communicate the true measure of my excitement – being invited on The Old Guard journey alongside ferocious badasses. Ever eager to continue pushing the genre for action-loving audiences. Warmly tipping my hat to the world Gina, Charlize, Rucka, Fernández, Skydance, Netflix, Marc Evans Productions, Denver & Delilah Films and the entire Team daringly put forward.”

Charlize Theron, Beth Kono and AJ Dix of Denver & Delilah Films added: “We are beyond thrilled that Vic is joining The Old Guard team. Her passion for these characters and her ambitious vision for the movie overwhelmed us all. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with her.“

Photo Credit Carter Smith/Trunk Archive

 

The Old Guard sequel to start filming in 2022

1st July 2021

A sequel to The Old Guard sequel is officially happening at Netflix, with filming set for 2022.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka, the first film followed a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. When the team was recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities suddenly exposed, the group had to eliminate the threat of those who sought to replicate and monetise their power by any means necessary.

Charlize Theron starred as lead warrior Andy, alongside Kiki Layne as the group’s newest recruit, Nile. They were joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harry Melling and Matthias Schoenaerts. The result was watched by about 72 million households in its first four weeks on Netflix, making it one of the most-watched Netflix original films to date.

“Gina Prince-Bythewood’s lean, mean comic book thriller is a promising franchise starter,” we wrote in our review. “The Old Guard could become the fast and furious new series Netflix has been looking for.”

Now, Theron has confirmed to Variety that the script is complete for a second film, with filming scheduled to start in the first quarter of next year. Joe and Nicky, the couple played by Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli, who were praised for the film’s inclusive approach to their relationship, are “definitely there”, Theron added.

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