The Old Guard, a Netflix Original, became an instant hit when it premiered on the streaming platform in July 2020. The movie tells the story of a group of immortal mercenaries who have been fighting for centuries to protect humanity. Led by Charlize Theron’s character, Andy, the team embarks on a new mission that threatens to expose their secret to the world.
Since the release of The Old Guard, fans have been eagerly waiting for news about the cast and crew. This article will provide an update on where the actors are now and what they have been up to since the movie’s release. It will also explore the behind-the-scenes production of the movie, including the sequel updates and the public reception.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Guard is a popular Netflix Original that tells the story of immortal mercenaries fighting to protect humanity.
- This article provides an update on the cast and crew of The Old Guard and explores the behind-the-scenes production of the movie.
- The public reception of The Old Guard has been positive, and fans are eagerly awaiting news about the sequel.
The Old Guard – A Netflix Original
The Old Guard is a Netflix Original movie that was released in 2020. It is based on the comic book series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez. The movie is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and stars Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Marwan Kenzari. The Old Guard is an action-packed movie that follows the story of a group of immortal mercenaries who have been secretly protecting humanity for centuries.
The movie received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. It was praised for its action sequences, performances, and storyline. The Old Guard has become one of the most popular movies on Netflix and has gained a large following of fans.
The Old Guard is a great example of the quality of content that Netflix has been producing in recent years. The streaming giant has been investing heavily in original movies and TV shows, and it has paid off. The Old Guard is just one of many successful Netflix Originals that have been released in recent years.
Overall, The Old Guard is a must-watch for anyone who loves action movies or is a fan of the comic book genre. It is a great example of the quality of content that Netflix has been producing and is a testament to the streaming giant’s commitment to providing its subscribers with the best possible entertainment.
Cast and Characters
The Old Guard on Netflix boasts an impressive cast of talented actors who brought their characters to life. Here is a breakdown of the main cast and their characters:
Charlize Theron as Andromache
Charlize Theron plays the role of Andromache of Scythia, also known as Andy, the leader of the group of immortal mercenaries. Theron delivers a powerful performance as the stoic and battle-hardened warrior, who has lived for centuries and has grown tired of the endless cycle of violence.
Kiki Layne as Nile Freeman
Kiki Layne portrays Nile Freeman, a US Marine who discovers that she is also an immortal and joins Andy’s team. Layne brings a fresh perspective to the group as the newest member, and her character serves as a conduit for the audience to learn more about the world of the immortals.
Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker
Matthias Schoenaerts plays the role of Booker, a former French soldier who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. Booker is the most jaded and disillusioned of the group, and Schoenaerts delivers a nuanced performance that captures the character’s complex emotions.
Marwan Kenzari as Joe
Marwan Kenzari portrays Joe, an immortal who fought in the Crusades and is also in a romantic relationship with Nicky. Kenzari brings a sense of humor and warmth to the character, and his chemistry with Luca Marinelli’s Nicky is a highlight of the film.
Luca Marinelli as Nicky
Luca Marinelli plays Nicky, an immortal who fought in the Crusades and is also in a romantic relationship with Joe. Marinelli delivers a passionate and emotional performance as Nicky, who is deeply devoted to Joe and the rest of the group.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as James Copley
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the role of James Copley, a former CIA agent who recruits Andy’s team for a mission. Ejiofor brings his trademark intensity to the role, and his character serves as a foil to the group of immortals.
Veronica Ngo as Quynh
Veronica Ngo takes on the role of Quynh, an immortal who was previously part of Andy’s team but endured capture and imprisonment for centuries. Ngo’s portrayal of Quynh is haunting and potent. It captures a character consumed by rage and driven to seek vengeance against Andy.
Behind the Scenes
Direction and Production
The Old Guard is a Netflix original movie directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Prince-Bythewood is a seasoned director with a track record of producing critically acclaimed films such as Love & Basketball, Beyond the Lights, and The Secret Life of Bees. She was also the first black woman to direct a big-budget superhero movie, Silver & Black, which was unfortunately cancelled.
Prince-Bythewood brought her expertise and vision to The Old Guard, creating a visually stunning and action-packed movie that captivated audiences. She worked closely with the production team to ensure that every detail was perfect, from the casting to the special effects.
The movie was produced by Skydance Media, a production company known for producing blockbuster hits such as Terminator: Dark Fate, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and Top Gun: Maverick. The Old Guard was their first collaboration with Netflix, and it was a huge success.
Adaptation from Graphic Novel
The Old Guard is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Greg Rucka, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie. Rucka is a prolific comic book writer, known for his work on titles such as Wonder Woman, Batman, and Detective Comics.
Rucka worked closely with Prince-Bythewood to ensure that the movie stayed true to the spirit of the graphic novel. He also made some changes to the story to make it more suitable for a movie adaptation. For example, he added a new character, Nile Freeman, who was not in the graphic novel.
The movie was also adapted from the comics in terms of the visual style. The graphic novel has a distinct visual style, with bold lines and dark colors, which was replicated in the movie. The production team worked hard to make sure that the movie captured the essence of the graphic novel.
Victoria Mahoney was the second unit director on The Old Guard. Mahoney is an accomplished director in her own right, having directed episodes of popular TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Power, and American Crime. She brought her expertise to The Old Guard, working closely with Prince-Bythewood to ensure that every scene was perfect.
Sequel Updates
Release Date
Fans of “The Old Guard” have been eagerly waiting for news on the sequel, and it seems that the release date is finally approaching. Various sources, including Netflix’s upfronts presentation in May 2023, indicate that “The Old Guard 2” is set for a 2023 release. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Netflix’s roster featured some 2024 releases as well, introducing the possibility of a delayed release date.
Plot and Expectations
“The Old Guard 2” will pick up where the first film left off, with Andy and her team of immortal mercenaries continuing their fight against injustice. While plot details have been kept under wraps, it’s expected that the sequel will explore the consequences of the team’s actions in the first film. As well as introduce new challenges and enemies.
One thing that fans are particularly excited about is the possibility of a crossover with the Star Wars universe. In a post-credits scene of the first film, Quynh (Van Veronica Ngo) is seen emerging from the ocean after being trapped for centuries. Some fans have speculated that Quynh may be a Force-sensitive immortal. This could lead to a crossover with the Star Wars franchise.
New Additions to the Cast
“The Old Guard 2” will see the return of Charlize Theron as Andy, KiKi Layne as Nile, Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker, and the rest of the original cast. However, there are also some new additions to the cast that fans are excited about.
One of the most notable additions is Marwan Kenzari, who will be playing a new immortal character. Kenzari is best known for his roles in “Aladdin” and “The Angel,” and his addition to the cast has sparked speculation about his character’s role in the sequel.
In early 2023, filming commenced for “The Old Guard 2,” titled “Force Multiplied,” generating great anticipation among fans for the first trailer’s release. Although information about the sequel remains limited, it’s evident that “The Old Guard 2” will stand out as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited releases.
Immortal Mercenaries – Understanding the Concept
The Old Guard on Netflix centers on a group of immortal warriors known as the Immortals who have been alive for centuries and are tasked with protecting humanity. To understand the concept of these undying warriors, it is important to delve into their mysterious powers and historical context.
The Immortals’ Mysterious Powers
The Immortals have the ability to heal from any injury, no matter how severe, and they never age. They are also able to sense each other’s presence and communicate telepathically. However, their powers are not limitless, and they can still be killed if their injuries are severe enough.
The origin of the Immortals’ powers remains unclear, although there is a suggestion that they could stem from a genetic mutation. Additionally, their powers appear to intertwine with their emotions, as their healing capacity weakens during periods of depression or hopelessness.
Historical Context and Backstory
Existing for centuries, the Immortals’ backstory intertwines with numerous historical events. For instance, Andromache of Scythia, one of the Immortals, fought alongside Alexander the Great and subsequently faced imprisonment during the French Revolution.
Another Immortal, Yusuf Al-Kaysani, fought in the Crusades and later became a doctor during the Black Death pandemic. These historical connections add depth to the characters and their experiences.
In addition to their historical context, the Immortals also have a complex relationship with their immortality. While they have lived for centuries and have seen the world change around them, they also struggle with the loneliness and isolation that comes with never aging.
Public Reception and Viewership
Initial Release Reception
“The Old Guard” was released on Netflix on July 10th, 2020. The movie received generally positive reviews from critics, with a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 219 reviews.
The critical consensus states, “Director Gina Prince-Bythewood occasionally encounters limitations from genre conventions. But she infuses the superhero genre with a sophisticated vision – and orchestrates some remarkable action sequences, led by Charlize Theron.”
Audiences also seemed to enjoy the movie, with “The Old Guard” becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched original films. In its third-quarter earnings report, Netflix revealed that the movie was the most popular title of its summer quarter. It had 78 million subscriber households watching the film in the first four weeks after its release.
Current Status
Since its release, “The Old Guard” has continued to be a popular title on Netflix. The movie’s success has even led to talks of a sequel. In an interview with Collider, director Gina Prince-Bythewood revealed that she had already started working on a script for a potential sequel. However, as of August 2023, no official announcement has been made regarding the production of a sequel.
Overall, “The Old Guard” has been a success for Netflix, both in terms of critical reception and viewership. The movie’s positive reception has also helped to solidify Charlize Theron’s status as an action star.
Significant Scenes and Moments
Nile and Andromache’s Relationship
One of the significant relationships in The Old Guard is between Nile (Kiki Layne) and Andromache (Charlize Theron). Nile is a new recruit to the group of immortal warriors, and Andromache has been around for centuries. Their relationship is one of mentorship, with Andromache taking Nile under her wing and teaching her how to survive as an immortal.
The two women have a strong bond, and their scenes together are often emotional and poignant. One standout moment is when Andromache reveals her tragic backstory to Nile, explaining how she lost her lover Quynh (Van Veronica Ngo) to a terrible fate. This moment highlights the deep connection between the two characters and sets the stage for the film’s climactic finale.
Joe and Nicky’s Love Story
Another significant relationship in The Old Guard is between Joe (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky (Luca Marinelli), two of the immortal warriors who have been in love for centuries. Their love story is a touching and powerful part of the film, and their scenes together are full of tenderness and affection.
One standout moment is when Joe and Nicky are captured by the villainous Merrick (Harry Melling) and forced to fight each other to the death. Despite the danger, their love for each other is unshakeable, and they refuse to turn on one another. This moment is a testament to the strength of their bond and the power of love to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
The Ending and Post-Credits Scene
The ending of The Old Guard sets up a potential sequel, with Quynh (Van Veronica Ngo) revealed to be alive and well after centuries of imprisonment. This moment is a significant one, as it opens up new possibilities for the story and the characters.
The post-credits scene is also noteworthy, as it hints at the future of the series. In the scene, Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) is approached by Quynh, who has been searching for him. This moment sets up a potential storyline for the sequel and leaves viewers eager for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date for The Old Guard 2 on Netflix?
As of August 28, 2023, there is no official release date for The Old Guard 2 on Netflix. However, given the success of the first film, it is likely that a sequel is in the works. Fans of the franchise will have to wait for an official announcement from Netflix or the filmmakers for more information about the release date.
What is the cast for The Old Guard 2?
As of now, there is no official announcement about the cast for The Old Guard 2. However, it is expected that Charlize Theron will reprise her role as Andromache of Scythia, aka Andy, the leader of the immortal mercenaries. Other cast members from the first film, such as KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Marwan Kenzari, may also return for the sequel.
Where can I watch The Old Guard 2 online?
After its release, Netflix will exclusively host The Old Guard 2. Fans of the franchise can catch up on the story by watching the first film on the streaming platform before the sequel’s arrival.
Will Andy be immortal in The Old Guard 2?
As Andy is an immortal, it is safe to assume that she will still be immortal in The Old Guard 2. However, it is possible that the filmmakers may introduce new plot elements that could affect the immortality of the characters.
Is The Old Guard 2 coming out soon?
As of now, there is no official announcement about the release date for The Old Guard 2. However, given the success of the first film, it is likely that a sequel is in the works. Fans of the franchise will have to wait for an official announcement from Netflix or the filmmakers for more information about the release date.
Conclusion
The Old Guard on Netflix has been a hit with audiences, and fans are eagerly anticipating news of a sequel. The film’s ending sets up the possibility of a continuation of the story. And the cast and crew have expressed interest in returning for another installment.
While the future of The Old Guard franchise remains uncertain, fans can take comfort in knowing that the film’s stars are keeping busy. Charlize Theron, who plays the immortal warrior Andy, has several projects in the works. This includes a role in the upcoming film “F9” and a lead role in the Netflix film “The School for Good and Evil.”
KiKi Layne, who joined the cast as the new immortal Nile, has also been busy since the release of The Old Guard. She has several upcoming projects, including a role in the film “Don’t Worry Darling” alongside Florence Pugh and Harry Styles.
The film’s director, Gina Prince-Bythewood, has also been keeping busy. She recently directed the pilot episode of the upcoming Marvel series “Hawkeye” and has several other projects in development.
Overall, The Old Guard has been a success for Netflix, and fans are eagerly awaiting news of a sequel. While the future of the franchise remains uncertain, audiences can take comfort in knowing that the film’s stars and director are keeping busy with other projects.