An unexpected, action-filled sequel is poised to hit Netflix several years after the original’s release.
The Old Guard 2 will be available on the streaming service from July 2, half a decade after the first instalment.
Netflix surprised fans with the announcement of the sequel during their upcoming slate reveal, featuring Charlize Theron reprising her role as the leader of an undying squad.
Both the initial film and its sequel are adaptations of the comic book series by Greg Rucka bearing the same title.
Theron portrays Andy, short for Andromache of Scythia, who is part of a band of centuries-old immortal mercenaries with self-healing abilities.
When they realise someone has discovered their secret, they must battle to safeguard their freedom.
Here’s a recap of the events at the conclusion of The Old Guard, including the post-title card scene and how it paves the way for the sequel.
The final act of The Old Guard is rather extensive. It kicks off with Andy uncovering that her fellow immortal Booker had been betraying the group from the start, reports the Mirror US.
Booker, along with Copley, is aiding the cunning Merrick, portrayed by Harry Potter actor Harry Melling. While Merrick aims to exploit them to boost his pharmaceutical company’s profits, Copley seems convinced that unlocking the secrets of the immortals’ powers could potentially eradicate disease following his wife’s demise.
The plot thickens as it’s revealed that Andy might be losing her immortal abilities, a phenomenon previously mentioned but not elaborated upon.
Copley, in a turn of events, assists Nile, the latest immortal, in infiltrating the lab where their comrades are held captive. By the conclusion, he pledges to aid the team in securing roles that will genuinely impact the world.
Nile breaches the corporate lab and liberates her fellow immortals, but not before a heated exchange between Nicky, Joe, and Booker regarding his treachery. When confronted by Merrick, Andy theorises that her transition to mortality coincided with Nile’s ascension to immortality.
In a united front, they take down Merrick, with Andy landing a blow with her axe and Nile hurling him out of a window. They crash onto a car below, but Nile recovers and walks away unscathed.
Following their daring escape, Nile opts to sever ties with her past life, staging her death in action as a marine to her family, while Booker faces a century-long exile as punishment for his betrayal.
In an unexpected twist just before the credits roll, Quynh makes a shocking return. Earlier in the film, audiences witnessed her being confined in a coffin and cast into the sea during the witch trials, a torment Nile had dreamt about.
Somehow, she has managed to escape and locate Booker. However, the mystery of how she accomplished this and what she seeks will hopefully be unravelled in the sequel.
Despite the long anticipation from fans, Netflix has clarified that the chronology within the films is rather unique. As per the Tudum website, a mere six months have elapsed between the films.
The team reportedly has a rejuvenated mission, even as familiar allies and fresh adversaries continue to pursue them.
The Old Guard and The Old Guard 2 is streaming on Netflix.