July 3, 2025: The Old Guard 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Netflix’s 2020 hit, returns with Charlize Theron reprising her role as Andy, the immortal warrior, and introduces fresh blood with Uma Thurman and Henry Golding joining the cast. Directed by Victoria Mahoney and once again written by graphic novel creator Gregory Rucka, the film expands on the lore of the immortal mercenaries, digging deeper into their moral dilemmas and ancient bonds. However, critics are divided on whether the sequel delivers the same punch as its predecessor.
Praise for Performances and New Characters
While the film has faced criticism for its pacing and lack of high-stakes action, most reviewers have agreed on one thing — the cast delivers. Uma Thurman’s addition as Discord has been widely acknowledged as a highlight, even if underused.
“Thurman… is a brilliant addition whose presence gives the right dose of pulp and gravitas to help set the tone of a grander mythology,” wrote Brandon Yu of The New York Times, although he lamented the lack of shared screen time between Thurman and Theron.
Henry Golding also joins the ensemble, helping expand the sequel’s world-building and setting the stage for a potential third film. The sequel teases deeper connections, wider threats, and a mythology that could blossom with more screen time.
Action: Too Little, Too Late?
The biggest letdown for many critics is the film’s inconsistent and often underwhelming action sequences. While the original film was applauded for its gritty, visceral combat, the sequel fails to keep that momentum.
“After the opening fight, we get nothing for most of the first two acts… Even when Andy and Quynh meet for the first time in hundreds of years, their fight is so choreographed and emotionless,” noted Collider’s Shawn Van Horn.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman echoed this sentiment, calling the film “a time-tripping action fantasy made on the cheap” and describing its energy as “The Languid and the Bothered.”
A Mixed but Promising Future
Not all reviews were dismissive. The Hollywood Reporter offered a more optimistic take, suggesting the film is a solid entry with room to grow.
“Well acted by a highly capable cast, peppered with enough action to satisfy most appetites, and underscored with a melancholy vein of introspection,” wrote David Rooney, calling it a better-than-average streaming feature.
Final Verdict
The Old Guard 2 tries to deepen its mythology and explore the burdens of immortality with greater nuance, but loses the edge of the first film’s tightly-paced action and visual flair. Fans of the original may still find value in the sequel’s expanded world and ensemble performances — especially with a possible trilogy finale on the horizon — but action junkies might leave disappointed.