The Old Guard 2 Review Roundup: Is Charlize Theron’s Netflix Sequel a Hit or a Miss?

Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel, The Old Guard 2, starring Charlize Theron, dropped on July 2, 2025, but early reviews suggest it struggles to match the 2020 original’s magic.

Directed by Victoria Mahoney, this action-fantasy flick about immortal warriors has sparked mixed reactions, with critics praising Theron’s intensity but slamming its incomplete story and cliffhanger ending.

Here’s a deep dive into what critics and fans are saying about this long-delayed follow-up.

Why the Buzz Around The Old Guard 2?

Five years after The Old Guard captivated audiences with its blend of gritty action and emotional depth, The Old Guard 2 aims to expand the immortal mercenary saga.

Charlize Theron returns as Andy, now mortal, alongside KiKi Layne, Veronica Ngô, Uma Thurman, and Henry Golding. The film picks up with Quynh’s vengeful return and introduces Discord, a new immortal threat.

But does it live up to the hype? Critics and fans on X have shared polarizing views, with some calling it a “fun but disposable” sequel, while others lament its “muddled” plot and lack of resolution.

Let’s break down the The Old Guard 2 reviews to see what’s working, and what’s not.

Highlights of The Old Guard 2 Reviews:

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: The Old Guard 2 debuted with a “rotten” 30% on Rotten Tomatoes (37 reviews), a sharp drop from the original’s 80%. Audience scores hover at 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and 49/100 on Metacritic.

• Charlize Theron Shines: Critics universally praise Theron’s commanding performance as Andy, with her “go-for-broke intensity” and chemistry with Ngô’s Quynh stealing the show.

• Action Hits and Misses: The opening sequence, featuring shootouts and a car chase, is a standout, but later fight scenes are criticized for “rubbish choreography” and a “cheap” look.

• Cliffhanger Frustration: The film ends on a “baffling” cliffhanger without resolution, leaving viewers feeling cheated, especially with no confirmed Old Guard 3.

• Emotional Core: Scenes like Andy and Quynh’s alleyway reunion carry emotional weight, but the supporting cast, including Joe and Nicky, is underutilized.

What Critics Are Saying

This "The Old Guard 2" review roundup reveals a sequel that struggles to recapture the original’s spark. Vulture calls it “half a movie,” citing a “debilitating cheapness” and a poorly executed long-take reunion scene that fails to land emotionally.

IndieWire labels it “fun but disposable,” noting its rushed pacing and failure to explore deep themes like immortality and betrayal.

Roger Ebert’s review points out the film’s “massive holes,” with characters like Nicky and Joe sidelined and Uma Thurman’s Discord reduced to a “tinny one-note villain.” The Guardian slams its “panicked rush” and “confusingly plotted” narrative, calling it a “savage franchise-killer.” On X, user @tylerdisney12 echoed this, calling the plot a “convoluted mess” with a “bloated runtime.”

However, some positivity shines through. The Hollywood Reporter praises its “better-than-average” action and “well-acted” cast, while InBetweenDrafts’ Katey Stoetzel calls it a “fun and emotional ride” despite story flaws. X user @Bestofthebang highlights the “strong” fight choreography and Theron’s leadership.

Fan Reactions on X

Fans on X are split. @mildredsfierce2 finds the emotional core “compelling” but sees the film as “filler” for a teased finale, while @theBurk3nator calls it “difficult to sit through” due to “choppy” editing and “bland” action.

@WhatTheFuss_ praises the stylish action and new characters but notes a missing emotional conflict. The consensus? Fans love the characters but feel let down by the execution.

What Went Wrong?

The reviews points to several missteps. The shift from Gina Prince-Bythewood’s nuanced direction to Victoria Mahoney’s “straightforward” approach loses the original’s soulful depth. The script, co-written by Greg Rucka, juggles too many characters and plotlines, leaving little room for emotional resonance.

The cliffhanger ending, described as “Netflix’s biggest since Squid Game 2,” frustrates viewers, especially after a five-year wait and no guaranteed third film. Production delays, including reshoots in 2024, may have contributed to its “unfinished” feel.

As Variety notes, the film takes its mythology “inordinately seriously,” alienating casual viewers.

Is It Worth Watching?

Despite the criticism, The Old Guard 2 has redeeming qualities. Theron’s performance and select action sequences make it a “relatively enjoyable watch” for fans of the original, per AV Club.

The Wrap suggests Theron’s commitment elevates the “bog-standard” sci-fi action. If you’re invested in Andy’s journey or crave immortal warrior drama, it’s worth a stream—but don’t expect a complete story.

Final Thoughts on The Old Guard 2

The reviews for "The Old Guard 2" paint a picture of a sequel with flashes of brilliance but too many flaws to fully satisfy.

Charlize Theron remains a magnetic force, and the action occasionally thrills, but a thin plot, underused cast, and infuriating cliffhanger hold it back.

Stream it for Theron’s badassery, but brace for disappointment if you loved the original’s heart.

Will The Old Guard 3 redeem the franchise? Only time—and Netflix—will tell.