Charlize Theron really, really wants to make The Old Guard 2. Just two weeks ago, Netflix released its latest action movie with The Old Guard. Based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka (who also wrote the script for the film) and Leandro Fernandez, The Old Guard follows a team of immortal mercenaries led by Theron’s Andy. The team gets a new recruit in the form of young soldier Nile (Kiki Layne) around the same time as their secret threatens to come to light, forcing them to fight for their safety. The film, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, also stars Matthias Shoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Harry Melling, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
In the time since its release, The Old Guard has quickly established itself as one of the biggest movies of the summer. Critics and fans have praised it for its thrilling action sequences and diverse cast, and Theron’s continued presence as an action star has further enticed viewers. It has already become one of Netflix’s biggest films ever, and talk of a sequel has continued to pick up steam. Netflix has yet to announce it, but The Old Guard clearly featured plenty of set-up for a potential sequel. Plus, Rucka has plans for an Old Guard trilogy.
While talking to Variety, Theron shared her hopes for The Old Guard 2. Not only is she stunned by the enthusiastic response to the first film (“It’s pretty nutty, right?” she said), but she’s just as anxious as fans are to get the sequel talks going. “We’re still pushing this one out,” Theron said. “Let’s have a little resting period, but just given the fact that all of us really want to do it, I’m sure when it’s the right time, we’ll start the conversation.”
It does seem inevitable that Netflix will greenlight The Old Guard 2. Clearly, the first film was a smash hit for the streamer, and Theron previously teased a potential direction for the sequel to go in. Netflix has already shown they’re willing to develop sequels for their successful projects, as seen earlier this year with the Chris Hemsworth-starring Extraction. Odds are, The Old Guard 2 will be announced sooner than later in order to fully capitalize on the positive buzz from the first installment.
As Theron said, everyone involved with The Old Guard seems hopeful there will be a sequel, which certainly bodes well for its prospects. If Netflix orders it soon enough, The Old Guard 2 could potentially roll out by 2022 or 2023, when considering the standard gap between franchise installments. There already seems to be a potential story in place, so it might not take long to get the ball rolling once Netflix officially agrees to it. It’s safe to say a lot of people are rooting for The Old Guard 2 to actually become a reality, so hopefully it won’t take Netflix too long to get on board.
