In 2020, filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King) delivered a captivating mix of action and fantasy with The Old Guard. The movie introduced a secretive group of immortal mercenaries, steered by Charlize Theron, who was in the thick of her action-hero phase following notable performances in Atomic Blonde and Mad Max: Fury Road. Now, the story unfolds further with The Old Guard 2.

This time, Victoria Mahoney (Yelling to the Sky) takes the helm as director, while Prince-Bythewood continues as a producer. The script is penned by Greg Rucka — who also wrote the original graphic novels and the first feature — in collaboration with co-writer Sarah L. Walker.

The sequel continues from the conclusion of the first film. Andromache “Andy” of Scythia (Theron) is contending with the loss of her immortality, while new addition Nile (KiKi Layne) is finding her place within the team. However, tranquillity is fleeting. A formidable new foe arises: the very first immortal, portrayed by Uma Thurman, who is determined to dismantle the Old Guard — and the teaser hints at a breathtaking sword fight that hints at the impending action.

The dangers don’t end there. Quynh (Veronica Ngô), another immortal who endured centuries of confinement underwater, has escaped. She has allied with Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), a former friend turned adversary. After 500 years of suffering, Quynh seeks revenge, and Andy’s history resurfaces with a force — just as she confronts the reality of her newfound mortality.

The Old Guard 2 also sees the return of Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli as the devoted duo Joe and Nicky, while Chiwetel Ejiofor resumes his role as Copley, the team’s coordinator. The sequel also debuts Henry Golding as Tuah, a longtime companion of Andy’s.

The Old Guard 2 launches on Netflix on July 2.