Netflix‘s original content is wide-ranging, and their original movies include numerous action and superhero тιтles. It has really leaned in on this first category, already putting out тιтles this year such as Ad Vitam, Back in Action, Havoc, and Exterritorial. Some of these films, like last year’s Carry-On, have gone on to become mᴀssive successes in terms of viewership. These wins do not always equate to winning the critics’ favor, as a number of them have received mixed reviews. Still, they tend to be a draw for Netflix and, as expected, the streamer has a busy upcoming slate.
The platform’s superhero franchise record is far less consistent. The platform has released several тιтles that could have been the opening to major franchises, but never quite got off the ground. For example, the 2020 movie We Can Be Heroes featured the children of superheroes trying to save the world. This could have been a great concept for a multi-film series that watched the kids grow up, and a sequel is confirmed, but development has been slow. This year, however, Netflix is actually continuing one of their superhero franchises beyond the first movie.
The Old Guard Is Still One Of Netflix’s Best Action Movies
The Old Guard Has Superhero Themes
The Old Guard should be considered one of Netflix’s greatest action movies. The movie provides a superhero-charged spin on a classic action structure, following a group of mercenaries helping to protect the world, who also happen to be immortal, constantly recovering from whatever grievous injuries befall them. When their abilities are exposed, they are threatened and face the need to eliminate anyone who might be seeking to copy their power.
The Old Guard was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the talent behind movies such as Love & Basketball and The Woman King. Prince-Bythewood’s skill behind the camera is clear in the action film, which is a much more confident genre romp than was seen in some of Netflix’s previous works. The Old Guard received consistently positive reviews, getting an 80% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes. ScreenRant‘s Molly Freeman gave the movie 7 out of 10 stars, saying, “Netflix delivers truly thrilling action.”
Why The Old Guard 2 Has Taken So Long To Happen
The Movie Needed Reshoots
Despite being announced in 2020, the same year that its predecessor was released, The Old Guard 2 has undergone significant delays. Filming for the sequel actually concluded back in 2022, and it originally had a fall 2024 release date. The movie was then taken off the release calendar and pushed to an undetermined date in 2025. The reason for the delay stemmed from the need for reshoots, and some production delays related to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
Much of the core cast is returning for The Old Guard 2, including Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
As such, it has been five years since the first Old Guard movie was released. This could be a risk for the sequel. On the one hand, audiences will be anticipating the film, but on the other, it may have faded out of interest. This is especially true given the first movie was a streaming release during 2020, a tumultuous time that was a blur for many people. As such, it will be interesting to see how The Old Guard 2 does when it hits streaming.
The Old Guard 2 Can Give Netflix A Great Superhero Franchise
And It Is Coming Soon
Despite its warm reception, I feel that The Old Guard 2‘s potential as a major action franchise hasn’t been discussed to its fullest potential. However, the fact that a sequel is even being made is a great sign. The Old Guard showed great promise not just in its action setups, but in its unique superhero slant. It is by far the best superhero franchise Netflix has launched, and with the release of The Old Guard 2 coming on July 2, it is a great opportunity to show more of its franchise potential. The sequel should expand this world and its characters, paving the way for additional installments going forward.
