Deadline brings word that Netflix has acquired the distribution rights for The Old Guard, based on the Image comic series of the same name. Gina Prince-Bythewood is directing the film, which will star Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne.
Theron has obviously been in the movie business for quite some time. However, she’s established herself as a viable action star lately thanks to appearances in Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and The Fate of the Furious. Layne recently garnered praise for her breakthrough performance in If Beale Street Could Talk.
As a director, Prince-Blythewood is perhaps best known for helming The Secret Life of Bees in 2008. She also directed the pilot episode for Freeform’s Cloak & Dagger in 2018.
RELATED: Skydance Developing The Old Guard Adaptation with Gina Prince-Bythewood
Writer Greg Rucka and artist Leandro Fernandez began publishing The Old Guard in 2017. The series follows a band of immortal mercenaries led by Andromache “Andy” of Scythia. When their immortality is discovered, they must face their greatest challenge yet. Theron is starring as Andy in the upcoming adaptation and will produce the movie through her Denver and Delilah banner alongside Beth Kono and A.J. Dix. Marc Evans and Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger are producing as well. Stan Wlodkowski will executive produce and Rucka is writing the film’s screenplay.
Although their relationship with Marvel has been all but severed, Netflix definitely isn’t shying away from comic book properties. In January, they released an adaptation of Victor Santos’ Polar and debuted the first season of The Umbrella Academy just last week. The streaming service is also developing adaptations of Locke & Key, Jupiter’s Legacy, and Last Sons of America.
Are you excited for the upcoming film version of The Old Guard? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
