In 2025, Uma Thurman made her anticipated return to the action movie genre, reuniting with audiences eager to see her in a physically demanding role once again. Known for her iconic performance as the Bride in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Thurman’s return was highly anticipated, especially given her absence from major action blockbusters over the past two decades.
Her portrayal in Kill Bill left an enduring mark on popular culture, combining memorable visuals like the yellow jumpsuit with standout fight choreography. Despite this legacy, Thurman’s return in 2025 did not live up to expectations, largely due to the way her new role was handled.
Underwhelming Impact in The Old Guard 2
The 2025 film The Old Guard 2, featuring Thurman as the antagonist Discord, aimed to showcase her in a fierce new role opposite Charlize Theron’s character, Andy. Discord is an immortal villain who rescues an old ally of Andy from the sea, setting several sinister plans in motion. However, the character’s potential was not fully realized onscreen.
Thurman’s screen time in The Old Guard 2 is limited, with her presence mostly confined to the film‘s final act. This late introduction restricts her ability to make a memorable impression, reducing her role largely to a setup for a potential third installment in the series. The villainy she portrays feels overshadowed, especially compared to Quynh, who remains the more engaging and textured antagonist within the story.
The relationship between Andy and Quynh is steeped in history, lending their conflict emotional weight, whereas Discord is a relatively new figure to Andy and the audience. As a result, Discord’s threat lacks personal significance, weakening the tension that Thurman’s character might have otherwise brought to the narrative.
Though the movie dedicates considerable time to explaining its immortality lore, this focus detracts from developing Discord’s story, making her eventual confrontation with Andy feel rushed and less impactful than expected.
Uma Thurman’s Performance Hints at Untapped Potential
Despite the shortcomings in writing and screen time, Thurman delivers a commanding performance with the limited material she receives. Her presence reinforces Discord’s dangerous nature, and the physical combat scenes recall the skill and intensity Thurman displayed in Kill Bill and other action films.
This suggests that Thurman remains fully capable of leading thrilling action roles, even if The Old Guard 2 did not provide the opportunity to fully showcase her abilities. The film’s failure to capitalize on this potential is notable, especially for viewers who were excited by her return to a genre that once defined her career.
If The Old Guard 3 moves forward, there is clear anticipation for a more developed showdown between Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman. Should that not materialize, it appears anyone looking to cast an experienced and dynamic action star should consider giving Thurman roles that highlight her proven strengths.
