Netflix Releases 'The Old Guard 2' Sequel with Mixed Reviews

The Old Guard 2, the sequel to the 2020 Netflix hit about immortal mercenaries led by Charlize Theron's character Andy, has finally been released after years of delays and post-production. While the original film was praised for its diverse cast, queer themes, and engaging action, the sequel struggles with pacing, narrative inertia, and fails to capture the same level of fun and emotional impact. The story follows Andy and her team as they face a new threat in Discord, played by Uma Thurman, and grapple with internal conflicts including the return of Andy's former comrade Quynh, who allies with Discord. Despite the promising cast and a highly anticipated showdown between Theron and Thurman, critics note that the sequel feels stretched thin, with its main emotional weight resting on the reunion between Andy and Quynh rather than the central conflict. The film introduces new characters like Tuah (Henry Golding) to deepen the mythology but ultimately falls short of the original’s balance of character development and action. While some performances, such as Ngô Thanh Vân’s portrayal of Quynh, stand out, the sequel is generally seen as a disappointing follow-up that fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.