The Old Guard emerged as one of the standout action films of 2020, capturing audiences with its blend of rapid pacing and substantial storytelling. Under the skilled direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film exceeded expectations, achieving a remarkable 80% critics’ score and a 70% audience rating on the renowned review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The film not only garnered numerous awards but also received multiple nominations, with Prince-Bythewood being recognized at the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture, showcasing her exceptional talent in filmmaking.

Regrettably, Prince-Bythewood did not return to helm the sequel, <em>The Old Guard 2</em>, passing the directorial reins to the capable Victoria Mahoney, who steps into this role for only her second feature film. However, Mahoney is supported by a stellar cast comprising Charlize Theron, Matthias Schoenaerts, Henry Golding, Uma Thurman, Kiki Layne, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, among others, all of whom bring their extraordinary talents to realize her vision. Mahoney underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, noting, “It’s a team effort,” and highlights the dedication of the nine producers involved who share a passion for the project.

The Old Guard 2 continues the journey of Theron’s character, Andy, as she confronts the challenges of mortality following the emergence of the first truly immortal being, which poses a significant threat to the world. Leading up to its Netflix debut, Collider’s Steve Weintraub had a chance to sit down with Mahoney to explore various aspects of the sequel, including the remarkable balance between emotional character arcs and intense action sequences, the film’s thrilling cliffhanger, and a fun hypothetical debate on who would prevail in a fight between Theron’s Andy and Christopher Lambert‘s Connor MacLeod from Highlander.

Charlize Theron’s Andy: An Indomitable Action Heroine

“I’m putting all my money on Andy.”

COLLIDER: I’m going to start with the most critical question. If an epic confrontation occurs between a member of the old guard and Connor MacLeod from Highlander, who would ultimately win that battle?

VICTORIA MAHONEY: Without a doubt, Andy. I would stake all my money on Andy. Following her, I would bet on Discord, then Booker, and then Vân [Veronica Ngô], who is also known as Quỳnh. Next up would be Joe and Nicky, followed by Copley, and finally Tuah. The rationale is simple: they are fresh. Even though Connor has been around for a long time, he must be weary after all those years. [Laughs]

That makes sense. I would love to see that showdown, especially if Chad [Stahelski]’s new Highlander film becomes a reality: a crossover could be amazing.

Victoria Mahoney Expresses Awe at the Incredible Talent in ‘The Old Guard 2’

“They’re phenomenal actors, the lot of them.”

One of the standout elements that resonated deeply with audiences from the first film was its remarkable ability to intertwine meaningful character moments with exhilarating action sequences. Can you elaborate on how you achieved that balance between character-driven narratives and dynamic action?

MAHONEY: Both of us have experienced numerous films that we genuinely enjoy and root for, and ultimately, we are often left in awe by the spectacular fight scenes. However, the day after watching such a film, when we grab our morning coffee or tea, we seldom ponder whether the characters are okay, alive, or reunited with their families. They often fade from our thoughts. My primary interest as a filmgoer is ensuring that we genuinely care about the characters on-screen. If there is no emotional investment, I question the purpose of watching. Therefore, a significant focus for me was ensuring that we established a genuine connection with the audience. That connection is essential.

What I found fascinating about these characters is that they existed long before I joined the project. Each actor had done their homework from the first film, creating grounded and elevated performances. They are phenomenal actors, the lot of them. How incredible it is to collaborate with such talent! My primary objective, among many tasks, was to ensure each actor — or character, as I refer to them — was given a sincere and believable moment that revealed something significant about them. This was crucial. Regardless of the action that unfolds, every character must have that one pivotal moment where their essence is captured in the narrative.

Additionally, I believe that each character deserves an exceptional action sequence that leaves the audience in awe. I felt that while multiple impressive moments are welcome, it would be a failure if each character did not have at least one powerful dramatic moment combined with one striking action sequence. This philosophy guided us throughout pre-production, principal photography, and into post-production. During filming, we focused our time and energy on the characters that needed it the most, ensuring their moments were not rushed or overlooked, even amidst the chaos of shooting. This attention to detail was paramount, and we strived to preserve those impactful moments during the editing process. It was crucial to maintain the audience’s connection with the characters. Thus, we must protect and preserve these moments. My preparation involved understanding that if I don’t care about a person in the midst of a fight scene, their fate becomes uninteresting. Even though we are dealing with immortals, some of them face genuine threats of mortality in this film.

Mahoney Hints at an Exciting Future for ‘The Old Guard’ Franchise

“I know that it will be fun and exciting.”

What led to the decision to conclude the film with a cliffhanger? Was there much debate surrounding this choice, and do you have any insights into who is crafting Old Guard 3?

MAHONEY: [Laughs] The decision was a collaborative effort. The film’s conclusion sparked extensive discussions among the team, with nine producers invested in the film’s success. Everyone involved genuinely cared about the project, leading to many conversations about the emotional impact we wanted to convey at the end. We pondered what feelings we wanted to evoke: a sense of resolution, hope, pain, or wonderment. This became the central question guiding our approach: what do we want the audience to feel?

Ultimately, I believe all involved desired an extended journey for the characters. This likely influenced the decision to leave the story open-ended for a more expansive narrative. While I am not privy to details about who will write or direct the next installment, I am confident that the next chapter will be engaging and thrilling, and I trust that everyone involved will pour their hearts into it.

The Old Guard 2 is currently available for streaming on Netflix.