Originally, Charlize Theron didn’t intend to create a follow-up for the 2020 film “The Old Guard”, but as it turned out to be one of Netflix’s highest-watched movies ever, the necessary elements had already been set up coincidentally.
In Gina Prince-Bythewood’s emotionally charged action drama, a hint at the end suggested that Quynh (Veronica Ngô), the ancient immortal lover of Theron’s Andromache (Andy) of Scythia, had been liberated from her watery tomb where she was trapped and reborn countless times. This additional plot point wasn’t primarily to set up a sequel; rather, it underscored that the tale of immortal warriors never truly concludes.
Under the leadership of director Victoria Mahoney, The Old Guard 2 follows Andy and the Old Guard’s revitalized mission to make a positive impact on the world. As the last movie concluded with Andy becoming mortal, this storyline continues her adaptation to this change. The unexpected return of Quỳnh to civilization and the appearance of Uma Thurman’s enigmatic character, Discord, pose extraordinary challenges for Andy and her team. Reminiscent of the first film, the second installment ends with another intriguing cliffhanger.
When questioned about the potential for a third “Old Guard” movie, Theron is cautious not to jump to conclusions, a lesson she’s learned over time.
Not overly confident, Charlize Theron admits to The Hollywood Reporter in backing ‘The Old Guard 2’s July 2 debut. She appreciates Netflix for not forcing a different path, as this was our chosen destination all along. Remarkably, the release aligns with the original film, making this sequel feel familiar yet unique. We handled this one identically to the first, but truthfully, we have no clue what form a potential third film might take.
This month, Theron is expected to be part of the film set for Christopher Nolan’s movie titled The Odyssey. Her role will be that of the powerful sorceress, Circe, a character that they have already been filming for around five months.
Theron mentions that she’ll probably find herself in a new environment, as she’s only there for two weeks. Although she’s excited based on what she’s read in the script, personally it feels like being a newcomer to her.
In a 2020 conversation with a THR writer, Charlize Theron openly shared her pain about being recast for George Miller’s “Mad Max: Furiosa” prequel, “Furiosa,” after the success of “Mad Max: Fury Road.” It’s uncommon for an actor and a character to perfectly mesh like Theron did with her vengeful mechanic, making one believe that modern technology or a creative approach like Spike Lee used in “Da 5 Bloods” (specifically the flashback narrative) could have been utilized to maintain their iconic duo. Yet, it was Anya Taylor-Joy who stepped into the role of the younger version of the character instead.
Theron deeply respects Taylor-Joy and Miller’s 2024 film, yet she continues to express concerns about the recasting, considering her extensive time in the role of Furiosa and the challenges she faced throughout.
As for what I felt about the re-filming process, nothing seemed intentionally harmful to me. Instead, it stretched on far too long and I can certainly empathize with that situation. Regardless, it doesn’t alleviate my discomfort one bit,” Theron says. “I spent more time inhabiting Furiosa than any other character, and the role was demanding, truly challenging. Yet, I believe the movie Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is stunningly beautiful.
It’s likely that, given the extensive behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the filming of Fury Road, we might one day see a retelling or adaptation of those events, much like how David Fincher recounted the story of Citizen Kane in his film Mank. In today’s entertainment landscape, where such behind-the-scenes narratives are increasingly popular, it seems almost certain that this will happen. Other recent examples include the films The Disaster Artist, The Offer, and Peter Farrelly’s upcoming movie about the making of Rocky>.
Theron hasn’t given thought to a behind-the-scenes film for “Fury Road,” but she finds it plausible that Mackenzie Davis, a past co-star of hers, could excel in portraying her character. “Absolutely, [Mackenzie Davis] is fantastic. She’s got the right physique for the role,” Theron remarks.
In a recent chat with THR, Theron talked about her close relationship with Keanu Reeves and their efforts to collaborate again in a project. She also shared some insights about her upcoming Netflix action film, titled “Apex”.
***
Speaking for all of us, your action films never fail to delight us. However, it seems like your health often suffers for our enjoyment. Has this pattern persisted in the latest production as well?
I got a black eye on this one, but I didn’t break anything, so it’s getting better.
Compared to your past movies, I’m glad to hear that.
The fighting scenes cause a lot of body trauma that’s tough to explain. When we aim for continuous action without frequent cuts, it inevitably leads to a fair amount of physical injury. Since we can’t constantly use protective padding under our costumes, the body endures its share of bruises during these sequences.
Are you happy that the group of stunt performers who contributed to the creation of characters like Andy, Lorraine from Atomic Blonde, and Furiosa, are now being considered for an Oscar award?
Thrilled beyond belief. This is an incredibly happy occasion, yet it’s disheartening that it took so long. Their performances are simply remarkable, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what needs to be done.
In the continuation of “The Old Guard,” Andy remains mortal, just as she was at the end of the first film. There are instances where she employs KiKi Layne’s character, Nile, for protection. However, does she continue to fight with the same immortal flair, or has her combat style evolved? In other words, has she adapted her methods in response to new circumstances?
Indeed, it seems to me that she’s not rash or careless. Instead, she’s enthusiastic, yet prudent. She highly prioritizes collaboration and regards her team with great importance. There appears to be a connection she feels towards Nile that compels her to stay near, despite her protective nature. She trusts in her own resilience, but chooses to keep her close as well. I don’t believe she’s seeking danger. The Andy we encounter is someone who is content with her situation and embraces it, yet eager for more experiences ahead.
Would it have been a clever choice to have Uma Thurman fight against you, considering your past encounters? Or was this just a coincidence that you’ve met before?
I’ve been acquainted with her from a distance, yet my admiration for her has always been immense. I’ve frequently suggested collaborating on projects and have heard numerous times that a film featuring us would be captivating. People appreciate our potential synergy in action-packed roles, as she possesses an impressive physical prowess that sets a high standard. Consequently, I felt the need to match her energy and deliver my best performance. Since she was ready to give it her all, I wanted to do the same.
I’ve found myself chuckling at the comment you made towards her during your Hot Ones episode, specifically when you said, “Come on, just take a bite, dear!” or “Let’s get this wing down, love!
(Chuckles.) What a remarkable statement! I was so caught up in the moment’s tension that I barely recall making it myself. But thank you for jogging my memory. I’ll be sure to take note of it mentally.
As a fellow gamer, have you clocked in many hours piloting helicopters? What I’m trying to get at is, what drives you to take on the nerve-wracking challenge of dangling from one?
I don’t have much experience with helicopters, and I’m not particularly fond of them either. However, during the creative process for the third act, we aimed to make that pivotal scene as impressive as possible. Since Uma was involved, we wanted it to truly stand out as an extraordinary sequence. So, we incorporated helicopters into the action, which led us to think about how they could fit seamlessly within the storyline.
Fred North, a renowned figure in the industry who handles all the helicopter stunts for movies, joined our team. I posed a question to him: “How can we elevate this narrative without it appearing as action for its own sake? How can we make it feel authentic and not like it was filmed using blue or green screens? How can we achieve this in a practical and safe manner that hasn’t been seen before in cinema?” He replied, “I find it odd that I’ve never done
Are you frequently amazed by the performances you deliver on-screen, yet you often mention that your children seem underwhelmed. Have they acknowledged your accomplishments yet?
These young ones are merely acting as expected. I doubt any child, regardless of their parents’ actions, truly feels this way. Now that they’re teenagers, if they admire us, they certainly wouldn’t show it openly. However, I hope for a time when they’re mature enough to share a drink, and in their wisdom, they might say, “Mom, you know what? It was pretty cool when you were 50 and dangling from that helicopter. You never got the recognition you deserved.
Filming for The Old Guard 2 was completed a few years back, however, post-production took unexpectedly long. Was there anything positive that came out of the extended period?
Absolutely, make the most out of the available time. It wasn’t just about having extra time; it was more about the circumstances caused by global events like COVID-19 that affected our business, leading to temporary closures. However, adversity fuels creativity, and even when the camera stopped rolling, we were brainstorming ideas. The editorial process continued this thought process. Consequently, I didn’t view that time as wasted, but rather as an opportunity to refine our work. We tried numerous approaches, which helped us identify the best direction for the movie. In essence, we leveraged the situation to ensure the best possible outcome.
The movie concludes with a shocking cliffhanger, making me hopeful that Netflix has indicated an intention for a third installment. How certain can we be about this possibility right now?
Indeed, we’re not usually brimming with certainty in this line of work. One thing I’ve come to understand is that there are no absolute promises. It’s quite generous of Netflix not to steer us towards a different path. This was the destination we had always envisioned for our film, and it bears a striking resemblance to the first one. We never initially planned a sequel after the first, but events unfolded as they may. As such, we approached this project in much the same manner, yet I must be truthful when I say that we have no inkling of what a third film might look like.
What else are you proud of on a producorial level?
Above all else, no one was injured, which is something we always strive for, particularly during complex scenes or large-scale shoots. It’s about ensuring everything runs smoothly and nothing is overlooked. We had a significant helicopter scene towards the end of production, and it was already a demanding shoot. Everyone was fatigued, making it easier to make mistakes. Yet, I’m extremely relieved that no one was injured during this time.
Additionally, I’m incredibly proud of the movie we’re releasing. It hasn’t been an effortless task, as you might imagine given its vast universe and intricate mythology. The characters are pivotal in unfolding the narrative of The Old Guard, so balancing their development and ensuring everyone gets their due screen time is quite complex. This is where television excels, but we’re trying to condense it into a two-hour film without making it confusing or overly complicated.
After all these years since it went into post-production, I’m watching the movie now with immense pride. The film we’re presenting is truly a testament to our original intentions, and we never wavered from our goal. Through every challenge, we remained steadfast on our chosen path.
During the summer of 2020, when the Old Guard was first released, I recall you generating a lot of attention for stating that you hadn’t met with Marvel prior to that time. It seems plausible that these headlines may have caught their attention, given that the timeline between your comment and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’s filming was close enough to create that impression.
I must admit, I wasn’t entirely sure about their plans when we worked together on set for just a day. Most of my time there was spent figuring out their vision and the direction they intended to take this project. They seem to have a unique approach that suits them, and I appreciated the opportunity to join them as it seemed like there was much room for creative exploration. However, I’m not entirely certain that’s what transpired. In hindsight, I should have asked them directly about their intentions.
In other news, congratulations on being employed by Christopher Nolan.
Thanks!
You’ve been on plenty of huge movies, but does this one take the cake?
I haven’t visited that place personally yet, just like you all, I can only learn about it and observe from a distance. In three weeks or so, I plan to go there myself, and I feel a bit nervous about being the newcomer in an unfamiliar environment. However, the script makes it sound amazing, and I’m only going for two weeks, as far as I know. Chris is a director who has a clear vision of what he wants to create, and he seems to be very confident in his work. Speaking of which, filming Mad Max: Fury Road for 100 days was an unforgettable experience for me. [Note: Theron has since confirmed that she’s playing the character of Circe.]
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed an intriguing trend lately – stories about the creation of iconic films. For instance, David Fincher crafted ‘Mank’, delving into the writing process of ‘Citizen Kane’. Similarly, ‘The Disaster Artist’ unraveled the genesis of ‘The Room’. ‘The Offer’ took us behind the scenes of ‘The Godfather’, and soon, a film will be made about the production of ‘Rocky’. Could we possibly see a narrative feature that delves into the making of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ in the future?
To be completely honest, that particular idea has never crossed my mind before. I’m unfamiliar with its practicality or feasibility. Frankly, I haven’t even considered it in that manner. However, I must admit that people’s creativity often leads to remarkable outcomes, but this is simply not a topic I’ve ever delved into.
I’ve got someone in mind for the role in the making-of movie, and it’s quite clear to those who’ve watched the 2018 film titled “Tully.
(Laughs.) Yeah, [Mackenzie Davis] is incredible. She’s got the arms.
When we last talked five years back, you were very open about your feelings towards “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” expressing that the casting change was quite distressing for you. Have you managed to watch it since then?
As a dedicated gamer, I couldn’t help but be captivated by that film. Anya Taylor-Joy, whom I admire immensely as an actor, delivers a stunning performance in it. While I can understand the complexities surrounding the recasting, I must admit it prolonged longer than necessary and left me feeling a bit uneasy. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly support the final outcome and believe the movie is nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. Out of all my characters, I felt most at one with Furiosa, and the role presented some tough challenges for me. Yet, I stand behind what transpired, and I’m excited to see how the story unfolds in the end.
Previously, I shared with you an intriguing detail, and now I’ve had a conversation with the directors of John Wick, Chad Stahelski and Dave Leitch, to celebrate their film’s tenth anniversary last year. In our chat, I revealed that your character from Sweet November sent a dog to Keanu Reeves 13 years before his character in John Wick received one, following the pattern of both characters having terminally ill spouses. It turns out Chad was made aware of it not long after the initial movie’s release, but Dave remained unaware of this connection.
(Laughs.) You are obviously a lover of film because not a lot of people would know that.
It’s been quite a while since you two (Keanu and yourself) have collaborated on a project. Who should I hold accountable for the lack of such collaboration recently?
Truthfully, no one is at fault here. We’ve consistently put in our best efforts over all these years. Naturally, our schedules are packed, yet we’ve been working on several projects simultaneously. In essence, we share a deep bond, akin to family. Our ultimate goal is to discover something truly exceptional that warrants our presence. In many respects, it feels like creating a sequel for [The Old Guard]. We’re not doing this haphazardly; instead, we’re thoughtfully contemplating our next move.
In the Hot Ones interview, you suggested that it’s quite possible that Keanu Reeves might decline an invitation to your dinner party. Is this something that he tends to do?
Gosh, did I just say that? I’m drawing a blank on why I made that statement. He certainly marches to the beat of his own drum, yet it’s not in a disrespectful manner. He consistently shows up when expected and is always professional. He makes a fantastic friend. He’s one of the most loyal friends I’ve ever encountered. It’s also impressive how you can pick up conversations with him right where they left off, and we don’t need to chat every day to stay connected. However, he does have an air of mystery about him, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he decided not to show up at some point.
The initial project where you collaborated was “The Devil’s Advocate” in 1997. Given that the story was rather dark, did it prove challenging or overwhelming for you to work on such a heavy subject matter so early in your career?
Looking back, I can’t help but say “Yes,” it feels like such an amazing adventure! At that age, you’re so full of innocence and enthusiasm that you barely have time to consider the possibility of failure. Working with renowned actors, including a legend at the time, was truly a dream come true. Yet, there I was, doing a scene with Al Pacino at 3:00 AM! It could have all gone terribly wrong, but my youthful eagerness made me incredibly optimistic. Even though I might have felt like I was about to stumble, I was more like, “I can do this. Give me another chance. I’ll get it right.” It seems we lose a bit of that fearless spirit as we grow older, but it was probably that fearlessness that helped me reach where I am today, hopefully. (Laughs).
As a gamer, I’m super excited about the potential return of Mindhunter as three feature films! But, should we keep our anticipation in check for now? Maybe, since there hasn’t been any official confirmation yet. Let’s just sit tight and hope for more updates soon!
It’s clear that you both share the understanding that this matter resides primarily in David’s domain. The decision and execution lie with him. If he finds it worthwhile, then the event will transpire. I can assure you that his passion for this realm is as strong as yours, but he tends to act only when he perceives a genuine opportunity. He’s a pragmatist, and when he decides to take action, he follows through.
Lastly, you just produced and starred in another Netflix actioner called Apex?
Just finished working on Apex! Man, it wasn’t your typical game, let me tell you. I initially thought it was going to be a breeze since there were no fight scenes, but boy was I mistaken. This one was as real as it gets. I found myself doing things in this project that I never imagined I would do. So, it’s been quite the challenge – and I love it! Keep pushing boundaries, that’s what keeps gaming exciting.
***
The Old Guard 2 premieres July 2 on Netflix.
Read More
- 10 Most Anticipated Anime of 2025
- Pi Network (PI) Price Prediction for 2025
- USD MXN PREDICTION
- USD CNY PREDICTION
- USD JPY PREDICTION
- Brent Oil Forecast
- Silver Rate Forecast
- Gold Rate Forecast
- How to Watch 2025 NBA Draft Live Online Without Cable
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
2025-07-02 02:26