The Old Guard, a cinematic adaptation of Greg Rucka’s graphic novel, has carved a unique niche in the action genre since its debut on Netflix in 2020. The franchise, centered on a group of immortal mercenaries led by Charlize Theron’s Andy (Andromache of Scythia), blends visceral combat, emotional depth, and a fresh take on immortality.
With the release of The Old Guard 2 in 2025, the series has reignited fan fervor and sparked widespread discussion across platforms like X, where posts highlight its expanded lore, higher stakes, and a formidable new villain portrayed by Uma Thurman. The sequel, five years in the making, has been praised for its bold evolution, with outlets like What’s on Netflix giving it a four-star rating, calling for a third installment to continue the saga.
This article delves into the trending phenomenon of The Old Guard 2, exploring its narrative advancements, cast dynamics, cultural impact, and the burning question of whether a third chapter is on the horizon, drawing from recent posts on X, web updates, and industry insights to capture its current resonance.
The first Old Guard film introduced audiences to a team of immortal warriors who have shaped history through their covert interventions. Andy, the millennia-old leader, anchors the group with her weary yet resolute presence, joined by Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), Nicky (Luca Marinelli), and the newcomer Nile (KiKi Layne), a U.S. Marine who discovers her own immortality after a fatal injury. The film’s gritty action sequences, paired with its exploration of existential themes like purpose and betrayal, resonated with viewers, earning a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Its success lay in its ability to balance high-octane battles with intimate character moments, such as Joe and Nicky’s heartfelt romance, which became a fan favorite for its authentic portrayal of love across centuries. The film’s cliffhanger ending, revealing Booker’s betrayal and the return of Quynh (Veronica Ngo), Andy’s long-lost comrade, set the stage for a sequel that promised to deepen the mythology.
The Old Guard 2, directed by Victoria Mahoney, builds on this foundation with ambition and precision. Released in 2025, the sequel picks up where the first left off, with Andy grappling with her diminished immortality and the team facing new threats. Uma Thurman’s villain, described as a “legend” by critics, introduces a more cunning and personal adversary, elevating the stakes beyond the first film’s pharmaceutical conspiracy. Posts on X, such as one from @whatonnetflix, laud the sequel for its “fresh approach” and “self-serious” tone, noting its expanded lore that delves into the origins of the immortals and their impact on historical events.
The addition of new cast members, including Thurman and rumored appearances downstairs stars, has generated buzz, with fans on X praising the chemistry between veterans and newcomers. Gizmodo’s coverage highlights the cast’s reflections on making a sequel that “bleeds, thinks, and fights harder,” emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of immortality.
The sequel’s production journey was no small feat. Delayed by the pandemic and creative shifts, including a change in directorship from Gina Prince-Bythewood to Mahoney, the film faced high expectations. Charlize Theron, also a producer, emphasized the team’s commitment to honoring the graphic novel’s spirit while pushing boundaries. In interviews, Theron spoke of the challenge of crafting action sequences that surpass the first film’s iconic “scythe scene,” where Andy dispatches enemies with a labrys axe.
The sequel delivers, with choreography that blends martial arts, gunplay, and historical weaponry, reflecting the immortals’ centuries of combat experience. Fans on X have shared clips of these sequences, with one user calling a new fight in a medieval-inspired setting “a masterclass in action cinema.” The film’s visual effects, enhanced by cutting-edge CGI, bring historical flashbacks to life, from ancient Scythia to 19th-century battlefields, enriching the narrative with a sense of timelessness.
Culturally, The Old Guard 2 has struck a chord in an era craving diverse and meaningful storytelling. The franchise’s commitment to representation—seen in Joe and Nicky’s queer relationship and Nile’s role as a Black female lead—has been amplified in the sequel. Posts on X highlight fan appreciation for the film’s inclusive casting and its refusal to shy away from complex themes like trauma and redemption.
The addition of Uma Thurman, whose character challenges the team’s moral compass, adds a layer of philosophical intrigue, with her performance drawing comparisons to her iconic roles in Kill Bill. Social media sentiment, as seen in trending discussions, underscores the film’s ability to resonate with audiences seeking both escapism and substance. The hashtag #TheOldGuard2 has trended globally, with fans sharing fan art, theories about Quynh’s arc, and calls for Netflix to greenlight a third film.
The sequel’s success is also tied to its strategic release in a crowded streaming landscape. Netflix, facing competition from platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime, has leaned into high-profile sequels to retain subscribers. The Old Guard 2 benefits from this strategy, with a marketing campaign that included cryptic teasers on X and a global virtual premiere attended by thousands. The film’s soundtrack, featuring artists like Florence + The Machine and Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, has also trended, with tracks climbing Spotify charts. Industry analysts note that the sequel’s viewership numbers, while not publicly disclosed, have reportedly surpassed the first film’s 186 million hours viewed in its first month, signaling strong audience engagement. This performance has fueled speculation about the franchise’s future, with fans and critics alike debating its potential for a trilogy or even a broader cinematic universe.
Will There Be an Old Guard 3?
The question of a third Old Guard film dominates fan discussions, particularly on X, where posts like @whatonnetflix’s call for a third movie reflect widespread enthusiasm. While Netflix has not officially confirmed The Old Guard 3, several factors suggest it’s a strong possibility. Greg Rucka, the graphic novel’s creator and a screenwriter for both films, has hinted in interviews that the story was conceived as a trilogy, with the second film setting up unresolved threads—particularly around Quynh’s return and Andy’s mortality—that demand closure.
Charlize Theron has expressed enthusiasm for continuing the saga, telling Variety that “there’s definitely more story to tell.” The sequel’s critical and commercial success, coupled with Netflix’s investment in the franchise, bolsters the case for a third installment. However, challenges remain, including production costs and Netflix’s shifting priorities amid industry consolidation. Fans on X remain optimistic, with some speculating that a third film could explore the immortals’ origins further or introduce new characters from Rucka’s comics. Until an official announcement, the franchise’s future hangs in the balance, but the momentum behind The Old Guard 2 suggests the story is far from over.
The broader impact of The Old Guard franchise lies in its ability to redefine the action genre. Unlike traditional superhero films, it grounds its immortals in human struggles, from grief to the weight of endless wars. The sequel amplifies this by exploring the psychological toll of outliving civilizations, a theme that resonates in a world grappling with rapid change.
Posts on X frequently highlight Andy’s arc as a metaphor for resilience, with one user describing her as “a warrior who carries history’s scars but keeps fighting.” The film’s global appeal is evident in its diverse settings, from modern-day Europe to ancient Asia, reflecting the immortals’ borderless existence. This universality has made The Old Guard a cultural touchstone, with fan communities on platforms like X creating memes, fan fiction, and detailed analyses of its lore.
The cast’s performances remain a cornerstone of the franchise’s success. Theron’s portrayal of Andy combines stoic strength with vulnerability, earning praise as one of her career’s best roles. KiKi Layne’s Nile, now a seasoned member of the team, brings a modern perspective that grounds the sequel’s fantastical elements.
Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli continue to steal scenes as Joe and Nicky, their chemistry described as “electric” by fans on X. Uma Thurman’s addition as the villain introduces a new dynamic, with her character’s motivations tied to the immortals’ past decisions, adding moral complexity. Behind the scenes, Mahoney’s direction has been lauded for its balance of spectacle and intimacy, with cinematography that captures both the chaos of battle and the quiet moments of camaraderie.
As The Old Guard 2 continues to trend, its influence extends beyond entertainment. The film’s themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the search for purpose resonate in a polarized world, offering a narrative that feels both timeless and timely. Its action sequences, praised for their realism and creativity, set a new standard for the genre, with stunt coordinators drawing from historical combat techniques to authenticity.
The franchise’s commitment to diversity and representation has also sparked discussions about the future of action films, with fans on X advocating for more stories led by women and marginalized voices. Whether through its emotional depth, thrilling action, or cultural relevance, The Old Guard 2 has solidified its place as a modern classic.