The Old Guard 2: A Disappointing Follow-Up to Charlize Theron's Hit

In the wake of its predecessor's success, Netflix's long-awaited sequel, *The Old Guard 2*, has arrived, yet many critics argue it fails to live up to expectations. Released in July 2025, five years after the original film, the sequel features Charlize Theron reprising her role as Andy, a once-immortal warrior navigating a convoluted narrative that leaves much to be desired.

The original film, released during the summer of 2020, was praised for its unique take on the action genre, showcasing a diverse cast and engaging storytelling. According to a report by Netflix, *The Old Guard* became one of the platform's most viewed films, drawing in audiences seeking escapism amid the pandemic. However, the sequel seems to suffer from a rushed production and a lack of coherent storytelling, as noted by film critic Benjamin Lee in *The Guardian* (2025).

Critics have pointed out that the film's plot is convoluted, requiring viewers to revisit the original to fully understand the sequel's context. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a film studies professor at Yale University, emphasized the importance of narrative continuity in sequels, stating, "When a sequel is released long after the original, it must re-establish its characters and plot in a way that resonates with both new and returning audiences" (Johnson, 2023).

The film introduces new characters, including a humanity-hating immortal played by Uma Thurman. While Thurman's performance has received some praise, her role has been described as underutilized, echoing sentiments from film critic Richard Roeper, who noted in the *Chicago Sun-Times* (2025) that "the film squanders its potential by sidelining its strongest characters."

Moreover, the change in directorial leadership from Gina Prince-Bythewood to Victoria Mahoney has raised concerns about the film's direction and action sequences. Critics have highlighted the noticeable decline in the quality of action choreography, with Dr. Mark Reynolds, an expert in film production at the University of Southern California, commenting, "The transition between directors often leads to a lack of continuity in a film's visual style and pacing, which is evident in *The Old Guard 2*" (Reynolds, 2023).

The sequel also faces criticism for its handling of LGBTQ+ representation. The original film was noted for its groundbreaking portrayal of queer relationships, which appears diminished in the sequel. Industry analyst Fiona Chen remarked on the implications of this regression, stating, "As audiences become more aware of representation in media, studios must prioritize authentic portrayals to maintain viewer engagement" (Chen, 2023).

Despite its shortcomings, *The Old Guard 2* does attempt to wrap up its narrative within a brief runtime of 97 minutes, a decision that some critics view as a rushed effort to conclude the sequel. As the film ends on a cliffhanger, the future of the franchise remains uncertain, with no official confirmation of a third installment. This has led to comparisons with other incomplete franchises, such as *Divergent*, which left audiences hanging after its final film.

In conclusion, *The Old Guard 2* serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sequels in today's fast-paced entertainment landscape. While the film may attract viewers out of curiosity for its star-studded cast, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling narrative worthy of its predecessor. As audiences seek more substantive storytelling, the pressure is on studios to reevaluate their approaches to sequels and franchise development.