Deadline is reporting that Netflix and Skydance have officially closed deals with Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli and Veronica Ngo to reprise their roles from last year’s The Old Guard for a sequel to the hit comic book adaptation.
The sequel is being written by comic co-creator Greg Rucka, and will see a change in the director’s chair as Gina Prince-Bythewood steps aside with Victoria Mahoney, second unit director on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, coming on board as her replacement.
“I love The Old Guard and the story and characters I was honored to put into the world. It was exciting to disrupt the genre,” said Prince-Bythewood. “I have decided not to direct the sequel, but will stay on as a producer. I leave our franchise in good hands as my girl Vic Mahoney takes on this next chapter.”
“Genuinely blown backwards by the collective levels of talent, skill and savvy that went into carving The Old Guard,” added Mahoney. “I must’ve watched it over a hundred times, and as such, cannot communicate the true measure of my excitement–being invited on The Old Guard journey alongside ferocious badasses. Ever eager to continue pushing the genre for action-loving audiences. Warmly tipping my hat to the world Gina, Charlize, Rucka, Fernández, Skydance, Netflix, Marc Evans Productions, Denver & Delilah Films and the entire Team daringly put forward.”
“We are beyond thrilled that Vic is joining The Old Guard team,” added Theron and fellow producers Beth Kono and AJ Dix. “Her passion for these characters and her ambitious vision for the movie overwhelmed us all. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with her.”
Based on the comic series by Rucka and artist Leandro Fernández, The Old Guard follows a covert team of immortals who find themselves exposed and have to fight to keep their identity a secret. The first film was a huge success for Netflix, with 78 million households watching in its first four weeks on the streaming platform.
