After announcing the adaptation of the graphic novel back in July, Netflix has taken a big step forward in its development of The Old Guard with the additions of The Fate of the Furious‘ Charlize Theron and If Beale Street Could Talk star KiKi Layne in lead roles.
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Skydance previously ordered the adaptation in July signed Gina Prince-Blythewood to helm the project. Prince-Blythewood is most well-known for writing and directing the acclaimed romantic drama Beyond the Lights and who previously worked in the comic book industry by directing the pilot for Freeform’s Cloak and Dagger.
The Old Guard was created by Greg Rucka and artist Leandro Fernandez and tells the story of old soldiers who never die…and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia—”Andy”—and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find—and afford—their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.
Rucka will be making his feature screenplay debut with the adaptation, having previously helped script the 2008 DC Animated Universe film Batman: Gotham Knight, while having his and Steve Lieber’s graphic novel Whiteout adapted into a 2009 film of the same name starring Kate Beckinsale (Underworld), which was a critical and commercial disaster.
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Theron was most recently seen in the well-received dramedy Tully and crime comedy Gringo and will next be seen in the romantic comedy Long Shot alongside Seth Rogen (Sausage Party), which is set to hit theaters on May 3, and the animated adaptation of The Addams Family, which is slated for an October 18 release.
Layne just found her breakout performance with the romantic drama If Beale Street Could Talk, which is nominated for three Oscars, and can next be seen in the drama Native Son, which premiered at Sundance last month and was acquired by HBO Films, and the sci-fi thriller Captive State, which is set to hit theaters on March 15.
David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger of Skydance are set to produce.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
