The Old Guard, the Image Comics adaptation by Netflix and Skydance, was a breath of fresh air and garnered plenty of viewership upon its release in July of 2020. A sequel has been in the works for quite some time, but now, Charlize Theron has gone on record to confirm that not only is the second installment coming, but that the script is complete and that the film begins shooting early next year.

The first Old Guard film told the story of a group of four mercenaries from the ninth century who have the ability to come back to life after they die, which makes them assets to secret organizations in the world. When a young U.S. Marine (Kiki Layne) dies during an operation in Afghanistan and comes back to life shortly afterward, the mercenaries and their leader, Andy (Theron), bring her into their ranks as they fight against a pharmaceutical corporation hellbent on capturing them in order to study their immortality.

RELATED: Anya Taylor-Joy Says She Can Never Match Charlize Theron as Furiosa

According to Theron, the Old Guard sequel will begin filming in the first quarter of 2022. Details regarding the story of the sequel are sparse, but in Theron's interview with Variety, she confirmed that not only will she be returning as Andy, but that Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli will be reprising their roles of Joe and Nicky, respectively. Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Ngo Thanh Van are all expected to return for the sequel based on how the first film ended, though they haven't been confirmed. Gina Prince-Bythewood, the original film's director, is currently slated to return to direct the sequel.

Fans of The Old Guard will know that the confirmation of a sequel and its filming isn't surprising, nor is it unfounded (as Netflix had officially greenlit the sequel in January). The sequel is sure to offer more excellent action choreography by Theron and company, and it will surely continue the speculation on what it would mean to be able to live forever. Netflix comic adaptations like Trese are a dime a dozen, but with this sequel to The Old Guard, fans have a lot to be excited about.

The first film released during the COVID-19 pandemic when theaters were closed, and it gave audiences the fun action scenes that they were missing from the average summer blockbuster. Hopefully, interest in the sequel will be just as strong, even if theaters are gradually re-opening their doors.

The Old Guard is now available on Netflix.

MORE: Loki and Shadow and Bone Prove That Sometimes Bad Guys Are More Fun

Source: Variety