Charlize Theron leads Uma Thurman’s action comeback as Thurman returns to the genre after stepping away from physically demanding roles for nearly two decades. In the upcoming Netflix sequel The Old Guard 2, Thurman takes on her first major action role since Kill Bill, with Theron drawing her back into the spotlight for a new kind of battle.
Uma Thurman’s Shift Away From Action Films
Uma Thurman, legendary for her portrayal of The Bride in Quentin Tarantino’s martial arts epic Kill Bill, chose to leave action films behind after the saga’s release in 2003 and 2004. This was a deliberate decision intended to avoid being pigeonholed in the action genre. As Thurman explained during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she resisted
“a whole bunch of ‘B’ action movies”
following her success. Her comments provided long-awaited clarity for fans who wondered why the actress didn’t build on her reputation as an action powerhouse.
With Kill Bill, Thurman’s months of training and unforgettable performance turned her into a global sensation. The franchise, helmed by Tarantino, grossed over $330 million worldwide and established Thurman’s iconic legacy. Images of her yellow jumpsuit and katana left a mark on pop culture just as lasting as Milla Jovovich’s turn in The Fifth Element. Despite this, Thurman deliberately pressed pause on action roles, instead choosing projects that stretched her abilities, including dramatic features like The Life Before Her Eyes, romantic comedies such as Burnt, and a noteworthy stint on Broadway with The Parisian Woman. By putting the sword aside, she allowed herself to avoid creative repetition.
The Decision to Return for The Old Guard 2
In 2025, Uma Thurman is poised to make her action return, not as a hero, but as the villain in The Old Guard 2 on Netflix, joining Charlize Theron in a sequel that pushes the genre forward. This time, however, it is Theron who takes center stage, with Thurman supporting and squaring off against her.
“Charlize was just so epic in [2020’s The Old Guard”
… and so I thought, ‘Well, I could go do this for her in that. Where she’s kind of taking the genre there. I’ll go support her and fight her and battle her out.’” —Uma Thurman, Actress
Even as she returns to the action spotlight, Thurman revealed she approached the shoot with zero preparation due to a last-minute casting. She joked with Fallon about her lack of readiness:
“Oh, if only I could have trained,”
she said, laughing about her unfamiliarity with sword-handling this time around. Despite missing out on months of intense training, Thurman found it enjoyable and refreshing, taking pleasure in stepping into a villainous role with far less pressure attached.
Beyond Kill Bill: New Directions and Series Projects
While long-standing speculation about Kill Bill Vol. 3 continues, Thurman has expressed honest doubt about its likelihood. In a candid interview on The Jess Cagle Show, she addressed hopes for a return to her iconic role:
“It has been discussed over the years… I don’t see it as immediately on the horizon,”
she shared.
“I hate to disappoint people. Everybody wishes it would be the case, but I think it’s not immediately on the horizon.”
—Uma Thurman, Actress
Regardless, Uma Thurman remains fully active, expanding her professional horizons with new experiences. In addition to The Old Guard 2, she will appear in the anticipated series Dexter: Resurrection alongside Michael C. Hall. Portraying Charley, the head of security for Leon (played by Peter Dinklage), Thurman enters new territory within a cast that includes David Dastmalchian, Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Stonestreet, and Krysten Ritter. She spoke highly of her co-star Hall during her talk show appearance:
“Michael C. Hall is so amazing,”
Uma Thurman enthused.
“He’s really, really sweet and kind. I know you don’t want to hear that about Dexter.”
—Uma Thurman, Actress
Dexter: Resurrection is set for a July 11 release with a double-episode premiere, marking another major step in Thurman’s versatile career.
Making Action Roles Count on Her Own Terms
Thurman’s lengthy absence from action cinema was not an act of vanishing but an intentional, measured retreat aimed at preserving her creative integrity and avoiding typecasting. The entertainment world often pressures performers, especially women, to repeat what once made them popular, but Thurman chose diversity over repetition.
Although she won’t be involved in constant high-octane stunts or dramatic duels, Thurman still commands attention wherever she appears—only on projects that truly excite her. Audiences eager for her distinctive presence can look forward to The Old Guard 2, streaming on Netflix starting July 2, where she faces off against Charlize Theron in a genre-defining showdown. Thurman’s return stands as a testament to the evolving roles of women in action films and her determination to make each new action chapter meaningful, bold, and true to her own creative journey.
