Overview

• The Old Guard 2 began streaming on Netflix this week and has reignited debate over studios’ reluctance to back female-led action franchises.
• Theron told The New York Times that studios greenlight far fewer action films with women at the helm and often withhold follow-up projects if those films underperform.
• She and co-star Uma Thurman said they felt heightened scrutiny on The Old Guard 2’s performance because Hollywood views female-led action as a riskier investment.
• Drawing on multiple severe injuries and surgeries from her stunt work, Theron urged greater industry accountability and praised the Academy’s plan to introduce a stunt design Oscar category in 2027.
• Despite the success of women-fronted titles on streaming platforms, action franchises remain predominantly male-driven, with studios favoring established male stars for sequels.