The latest Charlize Theron Netflix action thriller, The Old Guard 2, has quickly risen to the top of Netflix’s most-watched movies list in the United States after its release on July 2, 2025. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the film’s strong initial viewership highlights its popularity among audiences interested in the franchise’s continuation of immortal mercenaries.
Charlize Theron, known for her acclaimed roles in films like Mad Max: Fury Road—which earned six Academy Awards—continues to be a prominent figure in high-profile action projects. She is a three-time Oscar nominee, having won Best Actress for Monster in 2004 and receiving nominations for North Country and Bombshell. Among her filmography, 11 movies featuring Theron are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, including acclaimed titles such as Fury Road, A Private War, Prometheus, and The Road.
The Old Guard 2: Five Years After the Original Release
The sequel to The Old Guard, which first premiered in July 2020, arrives almost exactly five years after the original. This follow-up continues the story of a team of immortal mercenaries led by Theron’s character, Andromache of Scythia, also known as Andy. The film features a notable ensemble cast that includes KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Uma Thurman, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Henry Golding.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the release, critics were largely unimpressed. Rotten Tomatoes aggregated 65 reviews for The Old Guard 2, resulting in a low score of 25%, categorizing it as “Rotten.” However, strong streaming numbers demonstrate that the movie managed to captivate a significant audience upon release.
Streaming Chart Success and Competition
On July 3, just one day after its Netflix debut, The Old Guard 2 secured the number one spot on the daily U.S. Netflix movie chart, maintaining that lead through July 5. This achievement is notable given the presence of other popular 2025 releases on the platform, including two documentary installments from the Trainwreck franchise, the animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters, and several returnees such as The Hitman’s Bodyguard and its sequel.
The full U.S. Netflix Top 10 chart on July 5 was as follows:
- The Old Guard 2 (2025)
- KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
- Grown Ups 2 (2013)
- Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel (2025)
- The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
- Grown Ups (2010)
- Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (2025)
- The Old Guard (2020)
- The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021)
- Red Eye (2005)
Audience Reception and Future Prospects for the Franchise
The strong streaming performance offers hope for the future of the franchise, especially as The Old Guard 2 ends with a setup for another sequel. However, maintaining this momentum will be crucial for a follow-up to be greenlit. The film’s audience score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at just 40%, suggesting modest approval from viewers. This lukewarm reception may cause a decline in viewership in the coming weeks.
The initial interest likely stems from fans of the first movie eager to follow the continuing adventures of Andy, Nile Freeman, and their immortal team, but sustaining excitement will depend on broader audience satisfaction. If the sequel’s engagement diminishes quickly, it could impact Netflix’s decision on producing a further installment.
Notable Cast Members and Their Roles
Charlize Theron reprises her role as Andromache of Scythia, the indomitable leader of the immortal mercenaries. KiKi Layne returns as Nile Freeman, a newer member of the team. Additional key performances include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Uma Thurman, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Henry Golding, who all play vital roles in expanding the story of this secretive and ageless group.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What illness did Charlize Theron have as a child?
A. Theron went to Putfontein Primary School but felt like she didn’t belong. As a child, she often had jaundice and took antibiotics. These medicines caused her upper baby teeth to decay, so they had to be removed.
Q. Does Charlize Theron have OCD?
A. In a radio interview, Charlize Theron, an actress who has won an Oscar, talked about her past experiences with OCD. She mentioned feeling compelled to keep things organized in a certain way and having trouble sleeping when she thinks things in her home are out of place.
