Charlize Theron Just Gave Fans The Best Possible News About The Old Guard Sequel
After what feels like an interminable wait, fans finally have their answer on whether Netflix's "The Old Guard" will get a sequel. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, "The Old Guard" is adapted from Greg Rucka's graphic novel of the same name and introduces audiences to a close-knit group of five soldiers who all have the gift of immortality which is seemingly activated following their first death. There's Andy, the oldest member of the group as well as the team leader, Booker, a former criminal who served in Napoleon's army in the 19th century, devoted couple Nicky and Joe, who began their relationship fighting on opposite sides in the Crusades before discovering their common bond of being unable to die, and finally, there's Nile, the youngest recruit in the team who is unaware of her immortality until she is killed in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan. The Netflix adaptation of "The Old Guard" starred Charlize Theron, Matthias Schoenaerts, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Harry Melling.
It's been almost a year since "The Old Guard" premiered on the streaming giant. In the first weeks of its release, the fantasy action movie was smashing streaming viewership records, according to a celebratory tweet from Netflix in July 2020. Based on those streaming records and the fact that the ending of "The Old Guard" opened up a lot of doors to possible sequel storylines, we've been curious to know if another installment would actually be greenlit. And now, we have our answer.
The Old Guard franchise lives to see another day with upcoming sequel
In late June, Variety revealed in an exclusive report that Theron confirmed "The Old Guard 2" is officially happening. This is fairly monumental news because the last time Theron spoke to the outlet about a possible sequel, back in July 2020, she was hesitant to give fans much hope. However, the Oscar-winning actress remained open to the idea, teasing, "We're still pushing ['The Old Guard'] out. 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."
Now, Theron has not only revealed that "The Old Guard 2" is a go, but has also confirmed other key production details. Per Variety, Theron has also confirmed a script for the sequel is complete and that a filming date has been set for the first quarter of 2022 (translation: sometime between January and March of next year). Additionally, "The Old Guard" star told Variety that Kenzari and Marinelli, who play fan-favorite couple Nicky and Joe, will be reprising their characters for the sequel. For now, these are the only details we have about the sequel.
Unfortunately, it's unclear if Schoenaerts, Layne, or Ejiofor will return for the sequel despite "The Old Guard" leaving the door open for the return of their characters. Also, Theron did not share plot details for "The Old Guard 2," nor is there any word on whether Prince-Bythewood will hop back into the director's chair.