On July 2, Netflix and Skydance will finally unleash The Old Guard 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2020 action hit starring Charlize Theron as an immortal warrior protecting humanity. Ahead of the release, io9 caught up with returning stars KiKi Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Marwan Kenzari, as well as franchise newcomer Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians, Snake Eyes), to talk about stepping back into the brutal, secretive world of the Image Comics universe and what it took to bring its next chapter to life.
Isaiah Colbert, io9: Nile’s evolution from a wide-eyed recruit to a seasoned immortal takes center stage in this movie. What aspects of her growth—whether through the grit of her action sequences or the deepening bonds with her team—were the most rewarding for you to bring to life?
KiKi Layne: For sure Nile’s growth physically. The stunts I got to do, the choreography, having a weapon, that was really fun to push my physicality to new levels for the second film. That was definitely the highlight for me for Nile’s journey this time around.
io9: Joe and Nicky’s bond continues to anchor the heart of this story. How did you and Luca Marinelli navigate the evolution of their dynamic, balancing their centuries-old intimacy with a renewed sense of purpose as they face the film’s escalating threats together?
Marwan Kenzari: To be honest with you, we are developing our friendship off-set. We’re talking constantly. If [Marinelli] is in his trailer, I’ll visit him. We’ll sit and spend an hour or two together talking about so many different things and aspects of life that we, ultimately, automatically brought that [with us] when the camera’s rolling. That’s just a gift that we have. We don’t have to pretend that we love each other. I genuinely love this man. That makes it a lot easier to do the job.
io9: Since the first film, Copley has transformed from a reluctant ally to a mortal fighting shoulder to shoulder with immortals as an integral member of the crew. How did stepping into that more physically demanding role—while still carrying the weight of his humanity—challenge or deepen your performance this time around?
Chiwetel Ejiofor: I enjoyed it. In the first one, I was a little bummed that I was standing on the edge of all the action. They got to get involved [and] have all the fun. I was really excited when I was reading the script, and it was like, “Oh, Copley gets into this now?” That’s great. He needs a tap on the shoulder sometimes—people tell him he’s not immortal, too. I love the idea of him—not just in the technical sense—helping the team organize and deal with the operations using his skillset. The actual getting onto the field and really getting stuck in is a really great addition to Copley’s character.
io9: Tuah marks your entry into an ensemble stacked with action heavyweights. Coming off your lead role in Snake Eyes, you’re no stranger to intense choreography, but how did you find your rhythm within this team? And were there any moments on set that reminded you just how physically demanding The Old Guard’s world can be in comparison to G.I. Joe‘s?
Henry Golding: I was a big fan of the first film. I think that opening sequence down in the kill room was phenomenal. It was action that we hadn’t really seen. The design of it was so visceral. I knew we were going to bring back some of the choreography. Sadly, I didn’t get as much as I’d love to, but what I did get was so much fun to be a part of. The great thing about The Old Guard is the balance. The real story is the human aspect of living as an immortal. The action is the consequence of the world around them. Finding that balance is crucial. It was absolutely fun to get stuck in.
io9: This film has had a longer road to release than expected, with delays and reshoots delaying its timeline. In the face of those production challenges, what helped you all rally as a cast and crew to keep the energy and focus alive, and your connections to your characters?
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