Gather round, my fellow indie comic book enthusiasts, because a batch of first look images of Charlize Theron as Andromache of Scythia for Netflix's THE OLD GUARD have emerged!
Based on Eisner-winning writer Greg Rucka and critically acclaimed artist Leandro Fernandez's indie comic book series, The Old Guard tells story of old soldiers who never die…and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia – 'Andy' – and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find-and afford-their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.
Netflix's THE OLD GUARD will join Andy in the present day. While she's still leading a highly-skilled tactical vigilante team of other immortals into missions that find them battling human traffickers, terrorists, and other scum of the planet, Andy has grown tired as of late. Forced to watch the world destroy itself more times than she cares to remember, Andy begins to wonder if any of what she and her team are doing to defend the innocent is worth all the trouble and bloodshed.
“It was important to feel the weight of thousands and thousands of years on her,” Theron recently told Vanity Fair in an exclusive interview. “The worst part for her is just feeling like she’s not doing anything. So what is the point, you know? She’s lost faith, not just in herself but in humanity. I think a lot of people can relate to that at this moment in time. We go through periods in life where we just look at the world and go, Oh, my God… You just feel like you’re pushing a rock up a mountain.”
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (LOVE AND BASKETBALL) from a screenplay written by Rucka, THE OLD GUARD is set to make its Netflix debut on July 10. In addition to starring as Andromache of Scythia, Theron will also produce the action-heavy feature that will see her once again kicking ass and taking names.
“From the first moment I read Rucka’s graphic novel, I felt like there was great potential to make this thing feel really very relevant and have it ask some real questions about humanity,” Theron said. “Is what we’re doing enough? Is what we’re doing actually changing anything? Are we making [things] better, or are we making the world worse?”
When contemplating the film's tone, Prince-Bythewood looked to films like ZERO DARK THIRTY and MAN ON FIRE for inspiration. “I never wanted any moment to take an audience out of the fact that these could be real people,” the filmmaker said. “This is somebody that can get stabbed and walk away, but it’s going to hurt.… This is a woman alive 6,000 years, and we come to her at the point where she wants it over.”
As per Vanity Fair:
Andy’s team is comprised of fellow immortals, whom she has united from various conflicts over the ages. None of them know how or why they have this supernatural ability. One is a French soldier who fought alongside Napoleon (Rust and Bone’s Matthias Schoenaerts) and two are former enemies from the Crusades—one who fought for the Italian Christian invaders (Every Blessed Day’s Luca Marinelli) and one who fought for the Muslim forces (Aladdin’s Marwan Kenzari). Those two are not just allies now, but have also forged a centuries-old romance. Immortal life is easier if you can share it with someone.
“This is an elite, small army of people with a great set of abilities. They don’t die easily,” Theron said. While their ranks don’t typically shrink, they also haven’t added any teammates for a long time. Then a new immortal turns up—a U.S. Marine named Nile Freeman, played by KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk). Nile discovers her bizarre rejuvenation powers after being killed in action on a mission in the Middle East. Her new life hits her even harder than her death.
You can check out the remaining first look images below:
Previously, Theron starred as Lorraine Broughton for David Leitch's ATOMIC BLONDE, a balls-to-the-wall adaptation of of the Oni Press graphic novel series The Coldest City by Anthony Johnston with art by Sam Hart. In the film, Theron demonstrated her ability to wreck shop while pulling off a series of extreme fight sequences with vim and vigor. Personally, I can't wait to see as Andy, in the hope that she's given the chance to destroy those beneath her on the small screen.
Have these images got you pumped for THE OLD GUARD? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below, and don't forget to check the film out when it premieres on Netflix come July 10.