The Old Guard 2 faltered with both critics and viewers upon its release, raising doubts over the future of the series on Netflix. A deep dive into the original comics reveals a compelling opportunity for redemption through a prequel focusing on Andy’s historic human lover, Achilles, which could revive interest in the franchise.
Netflix’s adaptation of The Old Guard has struggled to maintain audience engagement, with the sequel notably underperforming. Yet, the source material offers untapped narratives, especially the tale of Andromache, known as Andy, and her relationship with Achilles, a former slave and outlaw. Exploring this story could provide the franchise with the fresh perspective it desperately needs to regain momentum.
The Significance of Achilles in the Comic Universe and His Connection to Andy
Andy, an immortal warrior over 6,000 years old, experiences profound loneliness despite her longevity. Among her few significant human connections was Achilles, a West Indies-born slave who fought during the American Revolutionary War for the British Army but was ultimately cast out by both sides. After escaping, Achilles turned to life as a bushranger in Australia, where fate led him to cross paths with Andy during her bounty-hunting days.
The bond they forged began in hardship yet grew into a deep partnership filled with romance and camaraderie. Together, they built a life, symbolized by their home, despite the knowledge that Andy would not age while Achilles would eventually succumb to mortality. Achilles’ gradual aging and eventual death—at the hands of a hostile mob suspicious of their unnatural relationship—marked an unforgettable tragedy for Andy. In her grief and rage, she avenged his death by eliminating the assailants.
This episode defines Andy’s experience as it represents her one and only romantic relationship with a mortal being. The intersection of Achilles’ background as a slave, soldier, and bushranger introduces a unique historical and socio-cultural depth to the story, setting the stage for a rich, character-driven exploration not yet addressed in the films.
Additionally, current popular interest in bounty hunter-themed narratives, exemplified by series like Tracker and The Mandalorian, signals that Andy and Achilles’ exploits in the Australian outback could captivate a new audience segment. A show centered on their outlaw partnership during the early 19th century could rejuvenate the franchise, tapping into proven entertainment trends and reinforcing The Old Guard’s appeal.
Why Focusing on a Prequel Could Revive The Old Guard Franchise on Netflix
Despite a talented cast led by Charlize Theron and significant production resources, The Old Guard’s live-action adaptation has struggled with its second installment. While the original movie drew viewers, the sequel suffered from a steep decline in both ratings and overall enthusiasm, suggesting the current storyline direction is failing to captivate audiences or critics alike.
Critics have not held back in their disapproval, with one calling the sequel a
time-wasting filler episode of a TV series
—Flickering Myth. This stark judgment reflects widespread frustration with the sequel’s weak villains and shallow plot development, which failed to build on the solid foundation established by the first film.
At this crossroads, the franchise’s survival depends on a bold creative shift, specifically revisiting Andy’s long and complex history. Her immortal existence, spanning centuries and pivotal historical moments, offers abundant material for storytelling that could better engage viewers. A prequel, whether as a limited series, animated anthology, or feature film, would allow the franchise to explore these compelling aspects more thoroughly and with greater emotional weight.
The upcoming release of a new limited six-issue comic series, The Old Guard: Tales Through Time, includes the story of Andy and Achilles in its fourth issue, providing an accessible blueprint for adaptation. Netflix can leverage this existing and rich source material without the need for extensive new world-building, enabling a smoother transition to more rewarding storytelling.
By embracing this backstory, the franchise not only gains fresh narrative territory but can also reconnect with audiences who may have been disappointed by the recent sequel. The tragic and complex relationship between Andromache and Achilles has the potential to broaden the series’ emotional range, adding poignant human drama to the fantastical elements of immortality and combat.
Ultimately, the prequel’s focus on Andy’s past and her time alongside Achilles as outlaws in an unforgiving world offers the franchise the most promising route to recovery. This strategic pivot would help The Old Guard reclaim its place as a vibrant and relevant property on Netflix, encouraging viewers to return for future installments and restoring confidence in the storytelling direction.
The Old Guard 2 is currently available to stream on Netflix. Fans and newcomers alike may find renewed interest in the series if the streamer pursues this prequel path tied to the star-crossed lovers from the original comics.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What illness did Charlize Theron have as a child?
A. Theron went to Laerskool Putfontein, but she said she didn’t “fit in” there. During her childhood, she often suffered from jaundice. The antibiotics to treat her condition caused her front baby teeth to decay, so they had to be surgically taken out.
Q. Does Charlize Theron have OCD?
A. In a radio interview, Charlize Theron, who has won an Oscar, talked about her past challenges with OCD. She mentioned her need to have things arranged in a particular order. She also shared that she sometimes has trouble sleeping when she thinks about misplaced items at home.
