It’s been a long time coming, but The Old Guard 2 is finally ready. Netflix has confirmed that the sequel to its 2020 action hit will premiere on July 3 — nearly two years after production wrapped. The film has also officially received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association for "sequences of graphic violence, and some language."
The delay has puzzled fans for months. Though filming concluded in August 2022, the sequel remained absent from Netflix’s release slate. In a 2023 interview with Variety, Charlize Theron — who returns in the lead role — explained that post-production was halted by Netflix amid internal leadership changes. It’s an unusual move for a film already deep in post, raising questions about what went on behind the scenes.
The original The Old Guard, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, became one of Netflix’s biggest success stories during the summer of 2020. While reviews were mixed, the film resonated with audiences, racking up a staggering 78 million household views in its first four weeks — placing it among the platform’s most-watched originals at the time.
For the sequel, Prince-Bythewood has stepped aside, and directing duties now fall to Victoria Mahoney. Her best-known previous work is the 2011 indie drama Yelling to the Sky, which received a mixed critical reception. Still, her appointment marks a significant opportunity for a new voice in the action genre — particularly as one of the few women directing large-scale action films today.
With the film now fully completed, the countdown begins. The Old Guard 2 will continue the story of immortal mercenaries fighting to protect their identities — and if its predecessor is any indication, it’s likely to attract a massive global audience once again.
