Two powerhouse female action stars, Charlize Theron and Uma thurman, recently connected to discuss their collaboration in the highly anticipated Netflix film, The Old guard 2. This sequel pits Theron’s ancient immortal warrior, Andy, against Thurman’s newly introduced character, Discord. Their conversation offers a unique glimpse into the demanding world of action filmmaking, the physical toll it takes, and the personal boundaries actors navigate while bringing these larger-than-life characters to the screen. It’s a fascinating look behind the curtain of a genre where both women have left an indelible mark.
Action Royalty Returns
Charlize Theron has firmly established herself as a titan of the action genre. Her credits include iconic roles like Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road. She’s also starred in films such as Atomic Blonde and had parts in The Italian Job and the Fast and Furious franchise. The Old Guard 2 sees her return to the role of Andy, the leader of a team of immortal mercenaries.
Uma Thurman, on the other hand, makes a significant return to action cinema after a 21-year hiatus. Her last major foray was the unforgettable role of The Bride in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 2. Following the intense physical demands and acclaim of the Kill Bill films, Thurman consciously chose a different path. She sought diverse roles in comedies, TV, and theater. As she explained, this was a deliberate move to avoid being typecast solely in “B action movies” and to explore “other stuff.” Her decision for The Old Guard 2 was notably influenced by the opportunity to work alongside and support Charlize Theron, whom she views as a key figure shaping the genre today.
Inside The Old Guard 2’s Immortal World
The Old Guard 2, directed by Victoria Mahoney and based on the graphic novels by Greg Rucka, delves deeper into the lives of these seemingly unkillable heroes. The core premise revolves around immortals like Andy and Discord who possess extraordinary healing abilities. Severe injuries, even fatal ones, mend within moments. Andy, formally known as Andromache of Scythia, has centuries of combat experience, spanning over 6000 years. Thurman’s character, Discord, is revealed to be even older and serves as a primary antagonist in the sequel.
A critical plot point carried over from the first film is Andy’s mysterious loss of immortality. This development significantly raises the personal stakes for her in The Old Guard 2. While the film introduces intriguing mythology, including the ancient historian Tuah played by Henry Golding, some critics found the narrative struggled with pacing. The plot involves Discord manipulating Andy’s former comrade, Quynh, who was trapped underwater for 500 years. Reviewers noted that the film sometimes relies heavily on dialogue to explain complex plot points rather than showing them through action.
The very concept of immortality presents a challenge for generating tension in action sequences. As some reviews highlighted, without the threat of death, the primary source of peril shifts to the potential loss of immortality itself. While the sequel includes action sequences, such as an opening fight at a villa and an “electrifying” confrontation between Andy and Quynh, some reviews suggested the choreography felt staged at times. Others felt the film didn’t quite recapture the energy of the first movie’s action, calling it “more competent than thrilling” or “sluggish.”
The Pains and Pleasures of Stunts
Action filmmaking is notoriously physically demanding, and both Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman have experienced the toll it can take. While the interview touched on injuries, the external summaries provide context on the physical preparation. Thurman’s return to action in The Old Guard 2 involved a stark contrast in training compared to her Kill Bill days. For Kill Bill, she underwent rigorous martial arts and sword training. For The Old Guard 2, she joined later in the process and, by her own admission, had no opportunity for extensive preparation, jokingly noting her approach to wielding a sword was simply remembering how to hold it.
Despite the characters’ fictional healing abilities, the actors performing the stunts are very much mortal. The process involves careful choreography and repeated takes, which can lead to injuries. The conversation between Theron and Thurman likely touched upon managing the physical risks inherent in performing fight sequences and stunts required for roles that demand intense physical performance. The reality of filming these scenes stands in contrast to the characters’ instantaneous recovery within the movie’s narrative.
On-Set Boundaries and Collaboration
Beyond the physical demands, actors in action films also navigate personal and professional boundaries. Thurman’s long break from the genre after Kill Bill was partly a strategic boundary-setting choice to control her career trajectory and avoid being confined. Her decision to join The Old Guard 2 to support Theron underscores a different kind of professional boundary – one of mutual respect and desire to work with admired colleagues.
Thurman expressed her admiration for Theron, calling her “mysterious” yet “revered and admired.” She highlighted the rarity of projects designed to bring multiple “heavyweight women” together, praising Theron for fostering such an environment within The Old Guard franchise. While the collaboration was a key draw for Thurman, some critical reviews noted that the two stars had limited shared screen time in the final cut, a point of disappointment for some viewers eager to see these two action icons face off extensively. Nevertheless, the presence of two such significant figures in the genre in one film remains a notable event. The film does explore themes of the characters’ internal struggles and history, adding a “melancholy vein of introspection” that complements the action elements.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
The critical response to The Old Guard 2 has been notably mixed. While the film was generally praised for its strong ensemble cast, particularly the addition of Uma Thurman, many reviewers pointed out significant weaknesses. Common criticisms included issues with pacing, a perceived lack of dynamic or engaging action sequences after the opening scene, and an over-reliance on dialogue to move the plot forward.
Variety described the film as “sluggish,” feeling like an “empty somber talkfest.” Collider noted a “show, don’t tell” problem and found key action moments “choreographed and emotionless.” The Hollywood Reporter offered a more favorable view, deeming it a “better-than-average original streaming feature” with sufficient action and an appreciated focus on character introspection. The New York Times praised Thurman’s casting as a “bold and fitting choice” that added “pulp and gravitas,” helping to establish a “grander mythology” for the series, even while lamenting the limited interactions between Theron and Thurman. Despite the criticisms, the film sets the stage for a potential third installment, suggesting the story of these immortal warriors is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Old Guard 2 about, and who are Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman playing?
The Old Guard 2 continues the story of a team of immortal mercenaries led by Andy, played by Charlize Theron. The film sees Andy and her team facing new threats. Uma Thurman joins the cast as Discord, an ancient immortal antagonist. The movie explores the implications of their healing abilities and delves into their long histories, particularly focusing on Andy’s recent loss of immortality and the re-emergence of a dangerous figure from her past.
Why did Uma Thurman return to action movies after two decades for The Old Guard 2?
Uma Thurman’s return to the action genre in The Old Guard 2, roughly 21 years after Kill Bill, was a conscious career choice. She had deliberately avoided action roles to prevent typecasting and explore other genres. Her primary motivation for taking the role in The Old Guard 2 was the opportunity to work with and support Charlize Theron, whom she admires and sees as a leader in the contemporary action film space.
How has The Old Guard 2 been reviewed by critics?
Critical reception for The Old Guard 2 has been mixed. Many critics praised the strong cast, especially the addition of Uma Thurman, and appreciated the film’s expansion of the universe’s mythology and themes of introspection. However, common criticisms included issues with pacing, a perceived lack of sufficient or dynamic action sequences compared to the first film, and storytelling that relied too heavily on dialogue over visual exposition. Some reviews considered it a solid, if flawed, continuation, while others were significantly disappointed.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman in The Old Guard 2 represents a significant moment for the action genre, bringing together two of its most influential female stars. Their conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of making physically demanding films. While the movie itself received a divided critical response regarding its execution and pacing, the presence of Theron and Thurman underscores the film’s ambition and hints at the potential for future stories within this world of ancient, yet still vulnerable, heroes.
