Netflix and Skydance have released the firstThe Old Guardtrailer for the upcoming action film, which puts a twist on a traditional formula. Based on the graphic novel series of the same name byGreg RuckaandLeandro Fernandezand scripted by Rucka himself, the film follows a warrior named Andy (Charlize Theron) and her covert group of tight-knit mercenaries who are, by all intents and purposes, immortal. And they have been for a long time—snippets of footage show them fighting throughout the ages. But when their extraordinary abilities are exposed and under threat, they must go on the run all the while training their newest recruit Nile (KiKi Layne).
The premise is not bad, and we know fromAtomic BlondeandMad Mad: Fury Roadthat Theron knows her way around an action sequence. But those films are hard to top, and I can’t shake the idea that the mythology ofThe Old Guardis more interesting than the modern day story. It’s one thing to propose the notion that there are beings who can never die and have lived through the centuries, but to then tell a bland modern day black ops story with that information? That’s, like, the least interesting part about this whole thing.
But I am hopeful given thatGina Prince-Bythewoodis in the director’s chair. The filmmaker behindLove & BasketballandBeyond the Lightshad been readying to direct Sony’sSIlver Sable & Black Catsuperhero moviebefore it was delayed, so I’m interested to see what she’s done with this somewhat grittier version of a “superhero” movie here.
Check out theOld Guardtrailer below along with the first images from the movie. The film also starsMarwan Kenzari,Luca Marinelli,Harry Melling,Van Veronica Ngo,Matthias Schoenaerts, andChiwetel Ejiofor.The Old Guardwill premiere on Netflix on July 10th.
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Old Guard:
Led by a warrior named Andy (Charlize Theron), a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But when the team is recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, it’s up to Andy and Nile (KiKi Layne), the newest soldier to join their ranks, to help the group eliminate the threat of those who seek to replicate and monetize their power by any means necessary. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Greg Rucka and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (LOVE & BASKETBALL, BEYOND THE LIGHTS), THE OLD GUARD is a gritty, grounded, action-packed story that shows living forever is harder than it looks.
