The Old Guard 2 Review: Netflix’s Delayed Sequel Falls Short

Remember July 2020? When we were all stuck at home, desperately searching Netflix for something anything to watch? That’s when The Old Guard dropped into our laps like a gift from the streaming gods. It wasn’t perfect, but cor blimey, it hit different during those lockdown days. Fast forward to 2025, and its sequel has finally crawled onto our screens. The burning question is: was it worth the five-year faff?

A Long Time Coming (Perhaps Too Long)

Let’s address the immortal elephant in the room five years is a proper age to wait for a sequel. While some films benefit from a lengthy cooking time (looking at you, Top Gun: Maverick), The Old Guard 2 feels like it’s been left in the oven too long. The first film’s clever mix of action and mythology has gone a bit stale, rather like finding that packet of Hobnobs you forgot about at the back of the cupboard.

The Production Saga

Having covered film production for over 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of troubled shoots, but this one’s had more drama than a soap opera Christmas special. Green-lit in 2021, filming in 2022, and then… radio silence. The “cursed post-production process” (as industry insiders have dubbed it) shows in the final product, with choppy editing that feels more rushed than my morning commute on the Northern Line.

When Good Ideas Go Wrong

The most frustrating bit? There’s actually a decent film buried somewhere in here. Charlize Theron still brings her A-game, but she’s fighting against a script that’s messier than a toddler’s finger painting. The action sequences, while technically impressive, lack the raw energy that made the first film such a knockout.

That Ending (No Spoilers, But Crikey)

If you thought Infinity War left you hanging, wait until you see this cliffhanger. It’s not so much a cliffhanger as a cliff-dropper, leaving audiences more confused than a vegetarian at a BBQ joint. Netflix clearly banked on a trilogy, but given the lukewarm reception, that third installment might end up joining the ranks of “promised sequels that never materialised” alongside Chronicles of Narnia 4.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Do I need to watch the first film before seeing The Old Guard 2?

Absolutely. Even Netflix knows this they’ve had to release a recap video featuring the cast because they realise most of us have forgotten what happened in the original. It’s like trying to jump into Line of Duty at series 5 technically possible, but you’ll be proper lost.

Is it as good as the first film?

Short answer: no. Long answer: nooooooo. While the first film had a fresh take on the immortal warrior concept, this sequel feels like it’s going through the motions, much like the tenth season of your favourite show that should’ve ended at season five.

Will there be a third film?

Given the cliffhanger ending, that was clearly the plan. But with the troubled production history and mixed reviews, I’d say it’s about as likely as getting a seat on the tube during rush hour.

The Bottom Line

The Old Guard 2 proves that not everything deserves a sequel, no matter how successful the original was. It’s not unwatchable far from it but it’s a bit like that difficult second album from your favourite band: trying too hard to recreate the magic while simultaneously attempting to be different. If you’re desperate for some immortal warrior action, maybe give the first one another watch instead.

What did you make of The Old Guard 2? Drop your thoughts in the comments below just keep it cleaner than the film’s post-production process, yeah?