Charlize Theron Praised for Intense Dedication in The Old Guard 2
Victoria Mahoney Applauds Theron’s Passion and Performance
Charlize Theron has once again proven why she’s one of the most respected action stars in Hollywood. The Oscar-winning actress, who leads The Old Guard 2, received high praise from director Victoria Mahoney for her complete dedication and powerhouse performance in the film.
Released on July 2, 2025, The Old Guard 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the hit 2020 Netflix original. According to Mahoney, Theron poured every ounce of herself into making the sequel something special.
“The thing about Charlize is, she comes hard, and she dedicates 1,000 percent of herself to every sequence—whether it’s trauma or action—and it’s visible,” Mahoney told Deadline.
“She doesn’t leave anything on the field, as we say.”
Elevating Action With Heart
The director emphasized how Charlize Theron’s intense involvement helped elevate not only her character, Andromache of Scythia, but also the emotional depth of the entire film.
Mahoney shared that she and fight choreographer Georgi Manchev worked for months during pre-production to ensure the film’s action sequences had real emotional weight. A key scene she highlighted was the alley fight between Andromache and Quynh, played by Veronica Van.
“It was vital that the scene had levels and layers and grounding in the heart,” Mahoney said.
“When Georgi told me Charlize was moved the first time they auditioned the alley fight for her, I knew we had something powerful.”
The emotional core of the film’s action is something Mahoney believes sets The Old Guard 2 apart from many other action movies.
“If audiences don’t feel anything in a fight scene, then what are we doing?” she asked.
A Leader on and off the Set
According to Mahoney, Theron’s fierce energy doesn’t just affect her performance—it raises the bar for the entire crew.
“When someone like Charlize comes hard like that to any role, everyone on the ground—crew, cast—rises up to meet her and help make her dreams come true.”
Theron’s dedication and work ethic helped fuel the film’s creative energy and pushed the production team to bring their very best. Mahoney emphasized that Theron is the heart and engine of the franchise.
“Let me tell you, Charlize is the engine on The Old Guard franchise—without a doubt,” Mahoney concluded.
With the success of The Old Guard 2, it’s clear that Charlize Theron continues to lead by example, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Her ability to blend physical strength with emotional intensity has made her a standout in the action genre once again.
As fans praise the new installment, it’s clear the franchise’s power lies not just in its thrilling stunts and fight scenes, but in the commitment of the woman at the center of it all.
