‘the Old Guard 2’ Reviews: ⁤Netflix Sequel’s Role Divides Critics

⁤Updated July ⁤3, 2025

Netflix’s “The Old Guard 2,” starring Charlize Theron, is⁢ now ⁤streaming, but initial reviews‍ are lukewarm. The⁣ action sequel currently holds a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 37⁣ reviews, with audience scores hovering around 45%. Metacritic shows similar scores,with critics at 46/100 and‍ audiences at 49.

This contrasts sharply with the original “The Old guard,” which ⁤garnered an 80% rating on⁢ rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic. Critics generally agree ‍that the sequel ⁢lacks the captivating elements of⁣ the first film, resulting ⁣in‍ a⁣ more generic experience. The⁣ film explores themes of immortality and the⁢ burdens that come with it.

Victoria ⁢Mahoney directed the film from a screenplay by Greg Rucka and Sarah L. Walker. The movie sees⁤ Booker, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, still‍ in exile following his betrayal. Veronica Ngo as Quynh seeks revenge after escaping her underwater prison. Andy, portrayed by Theron, confronts her newfound ‍mortality as a new⁣ threat emerges.

andy, Nile (KiKi Layne), Joe (Marwan⁣ Kenzari), Nicky (Luca ⁣Marinelli), ⁤and James Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) seek help from Tuah to unlock the secrets of immortal existence. Uma Thurman and Henry Golding join the ⁤cast in ⁢this installment.

“Theron leads the film with her trademark, go-for-broke intensity, and she⁤ has⁣ amazing chemistry with⁢ everyone – but a weak villain with flimsy motivation keeps this ⁢triumphant return from sticking its landing,” Lyle Scott of Inverse said.

“The film, directed by Victoria Mahoney, is a sure-footed romp that tightens the ⁢screws, moast instantly by flexing a bigger cast and broadening the lore of the original comic book series,” Brandon Yu⁣ of The New york Times wrote.
‍

What’s next

Fans of “The Old Guard” can now stream the sequel on Netflix and‍ decide for‍ themselves if the film lives up⁣ to the role of a worthy successor.