No./14 Is this the surprise superhero hit of 2020?

Meet The Old Guard — a new comic-book-movie adaptation that Netflix is hoping will be its answer to Marvel

NETFLIX MAY HAVE lost the rights to produce Marvel TV shows, but that hasn’t quashed the streaming giant’s interest in comic-book properties. Among the slew of adaptations on their slate is The Old Guard, an original movie set to arrive later this year. WHAT IS THE OLD GUARD?

It was originally published by Image Comics in 2017, as a five-issue miniseries by writer Greg Rucka and artist Leandro Fernández. A second series, The Old Guard: Force Multiplied, began at the end of 2019. Rucka is no stranger to screen adaptations: he’s the co-creator of Stumptown (now an ABC show starring Cobie Smulders) and is also known for his extensive work with DC Comics, which included the co-creation of the current Kate Kane/batwoman CW series. WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

The series focuses on a group of private mercenaries who have one thing in common: they’re all immortal. Led by 6,000-year-old

Andromache of Scythia (known as ‘Andy’), the group comes under threat when a psychotic billionaire discovers their secret and tries to find a way to replicate their power for himself. WHO’S INVOLVED?

The movie adaptation began development after only two issues of the comic had been published, with Rucka himself hired to write the script. In 2018, Gina Prince-bythewood — previously attached to Sony’s Spider-man spin-off Silver & Black — signed on to direct. Netflix picked up distribution rights in 2019, and announced that Charlize Theron would play the lead role of Andy, as well as co-producing. Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) has been cast as Nile Freeman, a soldier in Afghanistan who suddenly discovers she can’t die, and is recruited by the team. Chiwetel Ejiofor has also joined the cast, in a still unspecified role. COULD IT BE HUGE?

The idea of a team of mercenaries fighting wars throughout the ages is an irresistible high-concept, but beyond that, the series is filled with depth and pathos, as the characters see their immortality as a curse as much as a blessing. Andy is a complex (anti)hero; there are twists and turns and betrayals along the way; plus the characters’ ability to survive pretty much anything makes for some inventive and entertaining action. It amounts to a premise that should work well on screen — we’ll find out just how well soon. SEB PATRICK THE OLD GUARD IS COMING SOON TO NETFLIX