Charlize Theron's The Old Guard 2 receives low ratings from critics
- The Old Guard 2 premiered on Netflix after significant delays due to leadership changes at the platform.
- Critics have widely criticized the film, resulting in a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Overall, the sequel has not met expectations and has led to concerns about its future as a franchise.
In July 2025, the sequel to the 2020 fantasy superhero film began streaming on Netflix after facing several delays. Originally filmed in 2021, The Old Guard 2 was impacted by significant leadership changes at Netflix, which halted its post-production for five weeks, as explained by lead actress Charlize Theron. Despite the much-anticipated release, critics have widely condemned the film, indicating a general disappointment with the outcome compared to the original that was successful during its pandemic release. Overall, the addition of veteran actress Uma Thurman did not prevent negative critiques from surfacing, with reviewers focusing on the film's perceived lack of engaging content and effective storytelling. While some recognized her contribution, stating she added both gravitas and entertainment value, many reviews criticized the film for being poorly paced and burdened with excessive exposition, suggesting it aimed more at laying groundwork for potential future sequels rather than providing a satisfying standalone experience. The film currently stands at a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, with audiences giving it a slightly higher rating of 43%. This response has raised concerns about whether the franchise can maintain momentum moving forward.