Does THE OLD GUARD Have a Sequel?

This article contains spoilers.

THE OLD GUARD is an action and fantasy film released on July 10, 2020, on Netflix. The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, was written by Greg Rucka, who is also the comic book writer. The film generally received positive reviews from critics, with one of the praised aspects being the performance and action of Charlize Theron.

Besides the positive comments, THE OLD GUARD also caught attention because of its ending. For those who haven't watched it yet, Charlize Theron plays the role of Andromache, the leader of a group of immortal mercenaries who have been fighting for good for centuries. Andromache and her family's actions have helped change history. With the addition of newcomer Nile (KiKi Layne) to the team, Booker (Matthais Shoenaerts), who was sentenced to 100 years in isolation, Andromache is ready to lead them again with a new purpose.

In his new and lonely life, one of the characters, Booker, suddenly encounters an unexpected guest waiting for him; Quynh (Van Veronica Ngo), who was locked in an iron prison and thrown into the sea, disappeared for 500 years, constantly drowning but unable to die. According to Collider, when they spoke to director Gina Prince-Bythewood about the film, they had to ask if the ending of the film means we will get a sequel and if she will return to direct it.

They asked about the ending of the film and why she decided to include it. "It's part of the graphic novel, and I always liked it because I felt there would be something missing if it didn't end like that." Of course there is always a fear because we don't want to disturb the audience. I know how it feels when everything is left open, but for me, we tell the story. The story does have a beginning, middle, and end. And then, there's a clue and there may be more possibilities, but it's entirely up to the viewers. Greg always imagined this as a trilogy. I know where the story is going and it's so cool. So, if the audience wants more, there will definitely be more stories to tell."

In a different interview about the ongoing Collider Connected series, Prince-Bythewood explained that if THE OLD GUARD wasn't released on Netflix, the last part might have been a post-credits scene instead of an ending scene.

 “Honestly, in theaters, it would be a tag. But Netflix, right after the film ends, they tell you to watch something else. So we decided to make it part of the ending. ”

However, she also felt it was an important element to satisfy the scope of the first film because of the emotional connection you feel towards Quynh and her terrible condition.

 “The sequence with Quyhn, for me, is truly emotional and I care about the woman trapped in this terrible state for 500 years. Psychology itself... I want to know what happens. It's a sign that, okay, she's still alive. It gives a clue, hopefully no one feels like they were cheated about what happens next. I want you to want more, but again, it's entirely up to the audience.”

And if the audience really wants more, would Prince-Bythewood want to come back and direct the sequel? It's possible.

 “I really have to think about it. It's been two years, and it just came out now, I really want to take a break. In my opinion, there will be two possibilities. If this continues, I'm the first person to build it, but it might also disturb me and I'll feel, 'Nil didn't do that!' So, I don't know.”

We may not know if there will be a sequel to THE OLD GUARD (or if the director wants to come back to do another one), but as long as Prince-Bythewood shows it, we know there are many stories left from the comic series Rucka. And everything is certainly a good start - The Old Guard has been sitting at #1 on Netflix's Top 10 in the US throughout the weekend!

Writer: Tika Ageng

(kpl/mag)