The Old Guard 2 now finally has a release date as Netflix releases a new behind-the-scenes teaser for the film. Released in 2020, The Old Guard is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, with Charlize Theron starring as Andy, the leader of a team of immortal mercenaries who embark on a mission for revenge. A sequel was confirmed to be in the works with director Victoria Mahoney after the first installment was a viewership hit, but The Old Guard 2‘s release date has been repeatedly delayed due to reshoots and a regime change at Netflix.
Now, after years of uncertainty, Netflix confirms that The Old Guard 2 will release on July 2, 2025. The announcement from the streamer confirms that the sequel will feature “insane action,” in addition to some exciting new cast members and “one shocking return.” Accompanying the announcement, Netflix released a new behind-the-scenes video, which provides a look at some of what’s to come. The video features Theron doing some of her own stunts, including engaging in a knife fight and hanging off the side of a helicopter. Check it out below:
The Old Guard is an adaptation of the graphic novel series of the same name by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández.
What The Old Guard 2’s Release Date Means For The Franchise
Will The Delay Hurt The Film?
Principal pH๏τography for The Old Guard 2 was reportedly completed back in 2022. A leadership change at Netflix shortly into post-production on the sequel was ultimately a major factor in delaying the project, but the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 also hampered the ability to complete reshoots. The release date confirmation means The Old Guard 2 delays are now in the rear-view mirror, however, and there’s no danger of the movie being shelved.
Whether audiences are still interested in the sequel, however, remains to be seen. Even with The Old Guard‘s ending setting up a follow-up adventure, five years is a considerable amount of time to wait for a new movie. The first movie, however, earned an 80% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 71% audience score, meaning it was generally well-received in addition to being a viewership success. This all bodes well for the sequel to be a similar caliber of win for Netflix.
Our Take On The Old Guard 2’s Release Date
The Netflix Sequel Could Be Worth The Wait
After projects like Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Atomic Blonde (2017), and The Old Guard, Theron is undeniably one of this generation’s premiere action stars. With The Old Guard 2‘s cast set to include Uma Thurman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Henry Golding, Marwan Kenzari, and Matthias Schoenaerts, she’ll be in good company for the sequel. If the upcoming movie can deliver when it comes to action while expanding the mythology of the first film, the franchise could potentially further expand.
Franchise producer Marc Evans told Variety in May 2023, that the ending to the upcoming sequel “demands” that The Old Guard 3 happens. It’s possible that the lengthy experience of bringing the latest installment to life will affect how willing the cast and creatives are to making a third installment. If The Old Guard 2 is a hit, however, it’s certainly looking possible that Theron’s Andy will return for another adventure.
Source: Netflix