Charlize Theron made a bold statement on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of The Old Guard 2 — and it wasn’t just with her fashion. The Oscar-winning actress, activist, and producer spoke candidly about the importance of representation in genre films and why the inclusive cast of the Netflix sequel marks a major milestone for action storytelling.
“It’s important in all films,” Theron exclusively told Gayety. “This cast really came together with sincerity. We found the right people and the right representation that felt true to the story. And it’s something that enriched The Old Guard in a way I could never have imagined.”
Returning as Andy, the battle-hardened immortal warrior, Theron leads a cast that celebrates diversity on every level — from race and nationality to gender and sexuality. In a cinematic world where queer and POC characters are still often pushed to the sidelines in action and fantasy genres, The Old Guard 2 puts them front and center.
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And according to Theron, that’s exactly the point.
The Old Guard Universe: Bold, Queer, and Immortal
The Old Guard 2, which premieres globally on Netflix on July 2, picks up with Andy (Charlize Theron) and her fellow immortals, including Nile (KiKi Layne), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), and Nicky (Luca Marinelli), as they battle new enemies while facing internal threats. With themes of vengeance, mortality, and legacy at its core, the sequel delves deeper into the emotional terrain of characters rarely given depth in this genre.
Among the standout relationships is the romance between Joe and Nicky — a gay couple whose love story became a defining moment in the original film. Their unapologetically romantic and heroic presence was widely celebrated by LGBTQ+ audiences, and the sequel doubles down on that representation without turning it into a footnote.
Director Victoria Mahoney, the first woman of color to helm a major comic book adaptation of this scale, returns with a sharp focus on inclusive storytelling. With Theron as both star and producer, the project reflects a commitment to portraying characters from all walks of life with dignity, complexity, and joy.
Charlize Theron’s Red Carpet Power Play
For the Los Angeles premiere at Netflix’s Tudum Theater on June 25, Charlize Theron turned heads with a daring high-fashion statement: a black fishnet Givenchy bodysuit from the brand’s Fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection. Styled with a sharp black blazer and high-waisted shorts (“HotPants,” per WWD), the look embodied Theron’s mix of elegance and rebellion — much like her character Andy.
Her look was pulled from creative director Sarah Burton’s first collection for Givenchy, which paid homage to the French house’s 1952 debut while updating silhouettes for a new generation. Theron completed the look with square-toed boots, a slick chignon, and a smoky eye — commanding the carpet with her signature presence.
As the press circled, Theron’s comments stood out not just for their authenticity but for their clarity: representation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the foundation of stories that matter.
“We Made Something Bigger Than Us”
Speaking about the cast and their collective impact, Theron said, “Now, especially after finishing the second one, I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished — each one of us.”
That pride was shared across the cast. The ensemble includes Uma Thurman, Henry Golding, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Veronica Ngô, among others — many of whom bring unique identities and experiences to the screen. From Black and Asian leads to queer relationships portrayed without compromise, The Old Guard 2 doesn’t just tick boxes. It builds a world that feels expansive, inclusive, and real.
This mirrors the success of the first film, which drew acclaim for its seamless integration of LGBTQ+ characters, especially in a genre that historically underrepresents them. The choice not to “other” Joe and Nicky’s relationship — or minimize Nile’s perspective as a Black woman — earned The Old Guard a loyal fan base among queer audiences and beyond.
More Than Representation — It’s Visibility with Depth
In a media landscape where queer and trans characters often exist only as subplots or tokens, Theron and her team are pushing for authentic visibility. Not just in casting, but in narrative focus and emotional richness.
At a time when queer and trans rights are under political attack, Theron’s insistence on representation as a core creative value, rather than an afterthought, carries weight. In her words, “We didn’t just want people to feel seen — we wanted them to feel powerful.”
That power resonates not just on screen but behind the scenes, too. With Theron championing projects that uplift underrepresented voices, and Mahoney directing with fearless vision, The Old Guard 2 becomes more than a sequel. It’s a declaration: stories led by diverse casts can be action-packed and profoundly human.
The Old Guard’s Legacy — and the Future of Queer Cinema
As anticipation builds for the film’s streaming debut, it’s clear The Old Guard 2 isn’t just another summer action flick. It’s a statement about who gets to lead, who gets to love, and who gets to live forever on screen.
With The Old Guard franchise, Charlize Theron continues to redefine what it means to be a leading lady in Hollywood — not just by starring in big-budget blockbusters, but by ensuring those blockbusters reflect the world as it truly is.
“The Old Guard 2” releases worldwide on Netflix July 2, 2025.
