Netflix has finally answered the calls of eager fans by releasing a sequel to one of its most popular films.
The streaming giant recently revealed its most-viewed films of all time, with Red Notice topping the list. The action-packed flick features Ryan Reynolds, The Rock, and Gal Gadot, and has been a hit with the public. Although critics gave it a rather lacklustre 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, public audiences loved it, giving it a near-perfect 92%.
Rounding out the top five Netflix hits are Taron Edgerton’s Carry-On, Leonardo DiCaprio’s Don’t Look Up, sci-fi sensation The Adam Project and Sandra Bullock’s chilling Bird Box.
And there’s one thing all these films have in common – they all feature huge A-list stars that help carry them to success.
Netflix’s strategy of casting A-listers in their productions has paid off handsomely since they burst onto the scene in the 2010s. Even though some of their original films haven’t been critical darlings, they’ve demonstrated that viewers are drawn to films headlined by familiar faces.
A case in point is the 2020 superhero flick The Old Guard, led by Charlize Theron and helmed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The plot revolves around a band of age-old mercenaries with self-healing powers who realise their secret is out.
Hailed for bringing a “sophisticated vision to the superhero genre and some knockout action” when it was released five years ago, The Old Guard quickly climbed Netflix’s rankings.
The film was watched by 78 million households within its first month, and it has become one of Netflix’s most-watched flicks. And now, half a decade later, fans can finally get more of the action – as Netflix have just released The Old Guard 2.
Audiences worldwide can once again join Theron and her immortal crew on a fresh adventure from the comfort of their own homes.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Andy leads immortal warriors against a powerful enemy threatening their group. They grapple with the resurfacing of a long-lost immortal, complicating their mission to safeguard humanity.”
The sequel sees the return of KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, Vân Veronica Ngô and Chiwetel Ejiofor to the fray.
Victoria Mahoney will step into the director’s chair, while silver screen icon Uma Thurman and British star Henry Golding will join the cast as intriguing new characters.
The anticipation is high to see if the sequel can match or surpass its predecessor, but one thing is certain – audiences are in for an exhilarating ride. And many have taken to social media to share their excitement.
As of the time of writing, it seems reviews for the sequel are less forgiving than the original, however. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have dropped their already low score to a disappointing 28%, while early reviews from the public have slashed the rating of the original film by over half to just 45%.
While some reviewers described the film as “insanely underwhelming and boring”, others have said they “loved it” and are now eagerly awaiting a third instalment – although they hope they don’t have to wait another five years.
It seems The Old Guard 2 is splitting opinions, so you’ll just have to watch it yourself!
The Old Guard 2 is streaming now on Netflix.