Netflix has finally confirmed The Old Guard sequel, with one big unexpected change.
The first film, which was released on Netflix last year, was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees), however she will not be returning to direct the sequel.
Instead, Victoria Mahoney, the first woman to direct a film in the Star Wars franchise (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), will direct The Old Guard 2.
Netflix confirmed the news on Twitter today (August 26), writing: "It's official: The Old Guard is reuniting for a sequel that will be directed by Victoria Mahoney!"
Related: Charlize Theron gives major new update about Old Guard sequel
Gina Prince-Bythewood took to Twitter shortly after to share her thoughts: "I love The Old Guard and the story and characters I was honored to put into the world. It was exciting to disrupt the genre.
What to Read Next
"I have decided not to direct the sequel, but will stay on as a producer. I leave our franchise in good hands as my girl Vic Mahoney takes on this next chapter of Nile and Joe and Nicky and Booker and Quynh and Andy, scripted by the beautiful mind of Greg Rucka."
Previously, she told Digital Spy the film was planned as the start of a trilogy. "It is about the audience, does the audience want to see more? Obviously you hope an audience wants to see more," she explained.
"I know that Greg Rucka, who wrote the graphic novel in the script, he always envisioned this as a trilogy. I know where the story goes, and it's pretty great. So if the audience is eager for it, there's definitely more stories to tell."
Related: Netflix's The Old Guard ending explained
The first film left fans certain there would be a sequel, as it ended with a flash-forward to six months later in which Quynh (Van Veronica Ngo) – who had previously been locked in an iron coffin and thrown into the sea – had returned and somehow escaped.
The hit action film was based on Greg Rucka's comic book, which follows a group of immortal soldiers who protect the world from various threats, led by a milennia-old warrior, played by Charlize Theron.
Academy Award-winner Theron (Monster, The Italian Job) stars, alongside Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Matthias Schoenaerts (The Danish Girl, Red Sparrow).
Related: The Old Guard 2 on Netflix – everything you need to know
So far, little else has been confirmed around the upcoming sequel, including the release date. However, Theron recently confirmed that Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli, who play lovers Joe and Nicky, will both be returning.
The Old Guard is available to watch now on Netflix.
Netflix/Left Bank Pictures The Crown season 3 with Amazon exclusive box artwork
