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If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of The Old Guard 2, you’re not alone. The sequel to the hit Netflix film has been in post-production for nearly two years, with the initial filming wrapping up in October 2022. However, recent developments suggest that the wait might soon be over. As fans are buzzing with excitement, news broke that additional filming is scheduled for October 2024, hinting at the movie’s eventual release in 2025. Let’s dive into all the latest updates and what they mean for the highly anticipated sequel.
A Four-Year Wait: Why Has It Taken So Long?
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been over four years since The Old Guard first hit Netflix. The original film was a massive success, climbing to the top of Netflix’s viewing charts and garnering a dedicated fanbase. Naturally, Netflix quickly commissioned a sequel, officially titled The Old Guard Chapter Two: Force Multiplied.
The Initial Filming and Post-Production Delays
Production for the sequel began in June 2022, with filming wrapping up by October of the same year. However, what should have been a straightforward post-production process became a prolonged ordeal. According to Charlize Theron, who not only stars as the immortal warrior Andy but also serves as a producer, a change in Netflix’s leadership led to significant delays. “We got kind of stuck in that, and our post-production shut down, I think, five weeks into it,” Theron shared in a summer interview with Variety.
Why Additional Filming? Understanding the Need for Reshoots
Fast forward to late August 2024, when UBCP/ACTRA, the union for British Columbia performers, updated its production listings. The update revealed that The Old Guard 2 would undergo additional photography in Vancouver from October 7th to October 18th, 2024.
What Is Additional Photography?
If you’re wondering why a film that’s been in post-production for nearly two years needs more filming, you’re not alone. Additional photography, sometimes referred to as pickups or reshoots, is not uncommon in the film industry, particularly for big-budget productions.
Why Reshoots Happen
Reshoots allow filmmakers to refine scenes that didn’t work during the initial shoot, add new content to enhance the story, or respond to feedback from test screenings. It’s a chance to fine-tune the narrative, rework characters, or even add entirely new sequences that could change the film’s direction. For The Old Guard 2, this additional photography suggests that the filmmakers are committed to delivering a sequel that lives up to, or even surpasses, the original.
Vancouver Takes the Stage: A Shift in Production
Interestingly, this new round of filming marks a shift in production locations. The initial filming took place in the United Kingdom, but the crew is now headed to Vancouver. Victoria Mahoney, who directed the first round of filming, is set to return for these reshoots, ensuring continuity in the film’s direction and vision.
Why Vancouver?
Vancouver is a popular location for filming due to its diverse landscapes, tax incentives, and established infrastructure for large-scale productions. By moving to Vancouver, the production might be taking advantage of these benefits, or it could simply be that the specific scenes needed for the reshoots are better suited to the Canadian city’s unique backdrop.
Comparing to Other Netflix Productions: A Common Practice
It’s worth noting that The Old Guard 2 isn’t the only Netflix production to undergo additional filming. In fact, it’s a fairly common practice. Earlier this year, The Electric State, another big-budget Netflix movie, completed additional filming ahead of its March 2025 release.
The Risks and Rewards of Additional Filming
However, not all Netflix movies are so lucky. The sci-fi film The Mothership, starring Halle Berry, was scrapped after its additional filming didn’t go as planned. This goes to show that while additional photography can be a sign of a production team’s commitment to quality, it also carries risks.
What to Expect From The Old Guard 2
With Netflix officially ruling out a 2024 release, fans can expect The Old Guard 2 to hit the streaming service sometime in early to mid-2025. The extended post-production period, coupled with the upcoming reshoots, suggests that the filmmakers are taking their time to ensure the sequel meets or exceeds expectations.
The Plot and Cast: What We Know So Far
While plot details are still under wraps, fans can expect to see Charlize Theron reprising her role as Andy, the leader of the immortal warriors. The first film ended on a cliffhanger, with the return of a key character thought to be lost, setting the stage for a potentially explosive sequel.
Why Fans Are Excited
The original The Old Guard struck a chord with audiences, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre by focusing on immortal warriors grappling with the burden of eternal life. With a strong cast, led by Theron, and a story that blends action with deep philosophical questions, the sequel has a lot to live up to.
Fan Theories and Speculation
Unsurprisingly, the extended wait and recent news of additional filming have led to a flurry of fan theories and speculation. Could the reshoots be adding a surprise twist? Are new characters being introduced? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—The Old Guard 2 is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated releases.
The Impact of Netflix’s Leadership Changes
The delay in The Old Guard 2’s release has also sparked discussions about the impact of leadership changes at Netflix. As the streaming giant continues to evolve, it’s clear that even major projects can be affected by shifts in strategy and priorities.
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How This Could Affect Future Projects
The case of The Old Guard 2 serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry is constantly in flux. For filmmakers and fans alike, the hope is that these delays will ultimately lead to a better, more polished final product. However, it also raises questions about how other projects might be impacted in the future.
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Conclusion: A Long Wait, But Worth It?
As we await the release of The Old Guard 2 in 2025, the news of additional filming is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it suggests that the filmmakers are committed to perfecting the sequel, ensuring it lives up to the high expectations set by the first film. On the other hand, it means that fans will have to wait even longer to see how the story unfolds.
Ultimately, whether the wait is worth it will be up to the fans to decide. But if the original film is any indication, The Old Guard 2 is likely to deliver the same mix of thrilling action, deep character development, and thought-provoking themes that made the first movie a hit.
FAQs
1. When is The Old Guard 2 expected to be released?
The Old Guard 2 is expected to be released on Netflix in early to mid-2025.
2. Why has there been a delay in the release of The Old Guard 2?
The delay has been attributed to a change in leadership at Netflix, which led to prolonged post-production and the need for additional filming.
3. What is additional photography, and why is it needed for The Old Guard 2?
Additional photography, also known as reshoots, is used to refine or add scenes that improve the film. For The Old Guard 2, it allows the filmmakers to enhance the story and address any issues from the initial filming.
4. Who is returning as director for The Old Guard 2?
Victoria Mahoney, who directed the initial filming, is returning to direct the additional photography in Vancouver.
5. Will Charlize Theron be in The Old Guard 2?
Yes, Charlize Theron will reprise her role as Andy, the leader of the immortal warriors.
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