The Old Guard 2: Everything You Need to Know About the Highly Anticipated Sequel

When Netflix released The Old Guard in July 2020, it quickly became a hit—an action-packed superhero movie grounded in emotional depth, diversity, and a fresh take on immortality. Starring Charlize Theron as the formidable Andy, the film was based on Greg Rucka’s graphic novel and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. With a gripping storyline and intense fight choreography, The Old Guard left fans hungry for more. Now, after years of anticipation, The Old Guard 2 is finally on its way—and here’s everything we know so far.
Read Also: Final Destination: Bloodlines A Bloody, Bold Return to the Franchise
A Recap: What Happened in The Old Guard?
Before diving into the sequel, let’s briefly revisit where the first movie left us. The story follows a covert team of immortal mercenaries who have fought to protect humanity for centuries. Andy, the team’s leader, discovers a new immortal—Nile Freeman (played by KiKi Layne)—a young Marine who joins the group. Meanwhile, the immortals are hunted and exploited by a pharmaceutical executive who wants to harvest their abilities.
The movie ends with the group successfully escaping but with a twist: Andy appears to have lost her immortality. Additionally, the post-credit scene reveals the return of Quynh (Veronica Ngo), an immortal and former ally of Andy who had been thought lost at sea in an iron maiden centuries ago.
The Old Guard 2: What’s the Release Date?
As of 2025, Netflix has not confirmed an exact release date for The Old Guard 2, but insiders and fan sites report that the movie is in post-production, with a late 2025 or early 2026 release highly likely. The film began production in 2022 but faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes.
Who’s Returning? The Cast of The Old Guard 2?
One of the biggest reasons fans are hyped about The Old Guard 2 is the return of the original cast. Here's who we can expect:
- Charlize Theron as Andy / Andromache of Scythia
- KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman
- Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker
- Marwan Kenzari as Joe
- Luca Marinelli as Nicky
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Copley
- Veronica Ngo as Quynh
New Additions:
Netflix announced a few exciting new cast members joining the sequel. One major name is Uma Thurman, reportedly playing a powerful antagonist or possibly a new immortal. Also joining the cast is Henry Golding, though his role remains tightly under wraps.
You May Also Like: Back in Action: Cast, Release Date, and Plot of Cameron Diaz Complete Guide 2025
What’s the Plot of The Old Guard 2?
Plot details are being kept under lock and key, but we can make a few educated guesses based on the ending of the first film and clues from the graphic novels.
At the end of The Old Guard, Booker is exiled from the group for 100 years after betraying them. In a twist scene, he encounters Quynh—Andy’s long-lost partner who had been presumed dead. Her reappearance suggests a potential shift in alliances and possibly a more complex antagonist arc.
In The Old Guard: Force Multiplied, the second volume of the graphic novel, Quynh becomes a central antagonist. Resentful after centuries of torture, she believes that the immortals should take a more aggressive role in shaping the world. This ideological divide between Andy and Quynh sets the stage for high-stakes conflict in the sequel.
Expect The Old Guard 2 to explore:
- The consequences of Andy’s lost immortality
- Nile stepping up as the team’s new protector
- Booker’s redemption arc
- A moral showdown between Quynh and Andy
- Deeper world-building around the origin and nature of immortals
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Making It?
The Old Guard 2 is being directed by Victoria Mahoney, the first woman to direct a Star Wars film (as second-unit director for The Rise of Skywalker). Mahoney takes over from Gina Prince-Bythewood, who set the tone and visual style of the original film. Prince-Bythewood remains on board as a producer, ensuring continuity and creative consistency.
The screenplay is once again penned by Greg Rucka, the original author of the graphic novels. This ensures a strong narrative link to the source material and allows for a faithful yet cinematic adaptation.
Charlize Theron is also serving as one of the producers, which speaks volumes about the care being taken in developing the sequel.
What Makes The Old Guard Stand Out?
In a saturated superhero genre, The Old Guard distinguished itself by blending brutal realism with supernatural elements. Instead of capes and flashy powers, the film focused on themes like:
- The emotional toll of immortality
- The complexity of long-term relationships and betrayal
- Found family among outcasts
- The ethics of power and its exploitation
With a diverse cast and characters rooted in various cultures and historical eras, the film resonated with a wide audience. The sequel is expected to deepen these emotional and philosophical themes while delivering even more globe-trotting action.
Read: Trailer For 'House Of The Dragon' 2: Rhaenyra And Aemond Prepare For Annihilation
Expectations from Fans
- Fans are expecting The Old Guard 2 to:
- Deliver more world-building around the immortals’ history
- Explore the origin of their powers
- Show how Quynh survived and what she endured
- Give Nile a stronger leadership role
- Address Andy’s mortality and how it changes her place in the group
There is also considerable anticipation for the new fight sequences, especially since the first film’s choreography was highly praised. With Mahoney at the helm and a bigger budget, fans are hoping for bolder set pieces and deeper character arcs.
Representation Matters
One of the key reasons The Old Guard earned critical acclaim was its unapologetic representation of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly Joe and Nicky’s relationship. Their love story was portrayed with tenderness and depth, far beyond the tokenism often seen in mainstream media. Fans expect the sequel to continue this meaningful representation and explore more underrepresented narratives.
Will There Be a Third Movie?
Though Netflix has yet to announce plans for a trilogy, The Old Guard universe is ripe for expansion. With multiple immortal characters and thousands of years of backstory to mine, the potential for spinoffs, prequels, or a third installment is very real. If The Old Guard 2 performs well, especially internationally, Netflix may greenlight additional stories.
Final Thoughts
The Old Guard 2 is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most highly anticipated action films. With returning stars, fresh creative direction, and a storyline that promises to explore loyalty, power, and revenge, fans are in for an emotional and thrilling ride.
Whether you’re here for the sword fights, the emotional arcs, or the slow-burn mythology of immortals, this sequel has something for everyone. It’s not just another superhero movie—it’s a story about time, trauma, and the eternal fight for what’s right.
Stay tuned to Netflix and social media channels for the official release date and trailer drops. In the meantime, rewatch the first film, revisit the graphic novels, and get ready—because the immortals are back, and the war is far from over.