Trends 2025: Netflix's Top Paradox: 'Old Guard 2' Scores Big with Viewers, Zero with Critics.
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 5
- 14 min read
Why it is the topic trending: Sequel Slump: 'The Old Guard 2' Plummets in Rotten Tomatoes Despite Netflix Success
Massive Drop in Critical Score: The primary reason this is trending is the stark decline in critical reception for "The Old Guard 2" compared to the first film.
The sequel's critic score on Rotten Tomatoes is a disastrous 25%, a significant drop of 55% from the original film's 80%.
This drastic difference is highly unusual for a film series and has generated considerable discussion.
Significant Audience Score Decline: While not as severe as the critical drop, the audience score for the sequel has also fallen considerably.
"The Old Guard 2" has a 42% audience score, down 29% from the original's 71%, indicating that general viewers also found the sequel lacking.
Debuted at Number One on Netflix: Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews from both critics and audiences, the film still debuted at the top of Netflix's most-watched list.
This contrast between poor reception and high viewership is a key reason for the topic's trending status, prompting questions about what drives Netflix success.
Original Film Also Trending: The release of the sequel has also caused the original "The Old Guard," which was much better received, to reappear in Netflix's Top 10.
This highlights the continued interest in the franchise despite the sequel's poor quality and adds another layer to the trending discussion.
Overview: From Fresh to Flop? 'The Old Guard 2' Stumbles Despite Star Power and Netflix Debut
"The Old Guard 2," the sequel to Netflix's 2020 action film starring Charlize Theron, has arrived on the platform with a thud, receiving disastrously low scores on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences. The sequel's 25% critic score and 42% audience score represent massive drops from the original film's much more positive reception (80% and 71% respectively). This drastic decline is unusual for a film series. Despite the poor quality, the film still managed to debut at number one on Netflix, likely due to the popularity of the first film and the star power of Charlize Theron, who returns alongside new addition Uma Thurman. The first "Old Guard" has also resurfaced in Netflix's Top 10. The article suggests that the change in director, from Gina Prince-Bythewood for the first film to Victoria Mahoney for the sequel, might be a contributing factor to the drop in quality. While Netflix fulfilled its promise of a sequel, the overwhelmingly negative reception raises doubts about the possibility of a third film in the franchise, even with the initial strong viewership.
Detailed Findings: Rotten Tomatoes Trauma: The Numbers Behind 'The Old Guard 2's' Failure
Rotten Tomatoes Scores:
The Old Guard (2020): 80% Critic Score, 71% Audience Score
The Old Guard 2 (2025): 25% Critic Score, 42% Audience Score
Score Drop:
Critic Score: Down 55% between the films.
Audience Score: Down 29% between the films.
Netflix Performance:
Key Personnel Change:
The Old Guard Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood (directed "The Woman King," "Love and Basketball")
The Old Guard 2 Director: Victoria Mahoney (primarily directed TV series episodes, one TV movie in 2014)
Returning and New Cast:
Charlize Theron returns as the lead.
Uma Thurman joins the cast.
Key success factors of product (trend): Star Power Still Shines: How 'The Old Guard 2' Reached #1 Despite Reviews
Charlize Theron's Enduring Popularity: Charlize Theron is a major Hollywood star with a significant fanbase that will tune in to see her in new projects, regardless of critical reception.
Sequel to a Previously Popular Film: The original "The Old Guard" was well-received by both critics and audiences and was a successful film for Netflix, creating anticipation for a follow-up.
Netflix's Platform Promotion: Netflix actively promotes its original content on its platform, ensuring high visibility for new releases like "The Old Guard 2" on the home screen and in "New Releases" categories.
"Curiosity Factor": Some viewers might have tuned in to see if the negative reviews were justified, driven by curiosity or a desire to form their own opinion.
The Appeal of the Premise: The concept of immortal warriors is inherently intriguing and could still draw viewers in despite negative word-of-mouth.
Key Takeaway: Reviews Don't Always Rule: Netflix Viewership Driven by Stars and Prior Success
The key takeaway from this article is that strong star power and being a sequel to a previously popular film can drive high initial viewership on Netflix, even when the content receives overwhelmingly negative reviews from both critics and audiences. This highlights a potential disconnect between critical and general audience evaluation and the factors that contribute to success on streaming platforms, where accessibility and familiar IP can often outweigh quality.
Main Trend: Streaming Success vs. Critical Failure: A Growing Divide in Film Reception
The main trend illustrated by the performance of "The Old Guard 2" is the increasing divergence between critical and audience reception on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and the actual viewership numbers on streaming services like Netflix.
Description of the trend: "The Streaming Score Paradox": High Views, Low Scores – A New Metric of Success?
This trend describes the phenomenon where films or shows released on streaming platforms achieve high levels of viewership and popularity despite receiving poor reviews from critics and even lukewarm reactions from the general audience as reflected in aggregate scores. This suggests that factors beyond traditional measures of quality, such as star power, franchise recognition, and platform promotion, are significant drivers of success in the streaming landscape.
What is consumer motivation: The Click of Familiarity: Why Viewers Watch Despite Warnings
Star Appeal: The presence of a popular actor like Charlize Theron can be a major draw, even if viewers are aware of negative reviews.
Sequel Curiosity: Having enjoyed the first film, viewers might be compelled to watch the sequel to see what happens next, hoping it might be better than the reviews suggest.
Platform Visibility: Netflix's prominent placement of new original content ensures that it is easily seen by subscribers, leading to views based on mere availability.
"Hype" Override: Sometimes, the sheer buzz and discussion around a release, even if negative, can entice viewers to check it out for themselves.
Different Expectations for Streaming Content: Viewers might have lower expectations for content on streaming platforms compared to theatrical releases and be more willing to watch something that isn't critically acclaimed.
What is driving trend: The Power of the Algorithm: Netflix's Role in Visibility
Platform Promotion: Netflix's algorithm and internal marketing efforts prioritize new releases, ensuring they are highly visible to subscribers regardless of quality.
Vast Subscriber Base: Netflix's large subscriber count means that even a small percentage of viewers tuning in due to familiarity or star power can result in high overall viewership.
Lower Commitment Barrier: Watching a movie on Netflix is less of a commitment (in terms of cost and time) than going to a cinema, making viewers more likely to try something even with negative buzz.
What is motivation beyond the trend: The Search for Quality and Engaging Stories
Reliance on Reviews for Guidance: Many viewers still use critical and audience scores to help them decide what to watch, seeking out content that is generally well-regarded.
Desire for Well-Crafted Narratives: Ultimately, audiences often crave engaging stories with strong writing, compelling characters, and skilled direction.
Seeking Out Hidden Gems and Underrated Content: Viewers may actively look for content that has positive word-of-mouth or critical acclaim but might not be heavily promoted.
Description of consumers article is referring to: The Theron Throng: Fans Drawn by Star Power and Sequel Curiosity
The consumers the article is referring to, those who watched "The Old Guard 2" on Netflix despite its poor reception, are likely:
Fans of Charlize Theron: Individuals who enjoy her work and will watch her films out of loyalty and admiration.
Viewers Who Liked the First Film: Those who enjoyed "The Old Guard" and were curious to see the continuation of the story.
Netflix Subscribers Browse for New Content: Individuals who rely on Netflix's recommendations and new release highlights to choose what to watch.
Casual Viewers: People looking for some action or entertainment without necessarily prioritizing critical acclaim or deep storytelling.
Implications for brands: Star Power Still Sells (Initially): Brand Lessons from Streaming Hits
Leveraging Popular Actors: Brands might still find value in associating with popular actors for promotional purposes, even if their projects don't receive great reviews.
Timing is Key for Streaming Tie-ins: The initial debut of a highly visible Netflix film, regardless of quality, can still present short-term marketing opportunities.
There's a potential risk of brand association with a poorly received sequel, which could negatively impact brand perception, even if the star power is high.
Brands might consider contractual clauses that allow them to reassess or withdraw from partnerships if a film receives overwhelmingly negative reviews, regardless of viewership numbers.
Implications for society: The Devaluation of Critical Discourse?: When Popularity Trumps Quality
Potential Shift in How Films are Valued: The success of poorly reviewed content on streaming might suggest a declining influence of critical opinion on mainstream viewing habits.
Democratization of Taste or Lower Standards?: This trend raises questions about whether audiences are embracing a wider range of tastes or if the ease of access on streaming is lowering the bar for what they consider acceptable entertainment.
The ease of access to a large volume of content on streaming platforms, including poorly reviewed sequels, might contribute to a desensitization towards quality in entertainment.
The focus on high viewership numbers for even low-quality content might inadvertently encourage the production of more formulaic and less innovative films in the future.
The normalization of high viewership for poorly rated content could impact the overall standards and expectations that audiences have for cinematic storytelling.
Implications for consumers: Proceed with Caution: Streaming Popularity Doesn't Equal Quality
Reliance on Multiple Sources of Information: Consumers might need to look beyond Netflix's top lists and consider critical and audience reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes to gauge the actual quality of content.
Manage Expectations for Sequels: The significant drop in quality between "The Old Guard" and its sequel serves as a reminder that sequels are not always guaranteed to live up to the original.
Consumers might become more wary of investing their time in sequels without first consulting multiple reviews and audience feedback.
Implications for film industry: The Netflix Effect: Quantity Over Quality in the Streaming Wars?
Pressure to Produce Content Quickly: The emphasis on constant new releases on streaming platforms might incentivize quantity over quality in production.
The Value of Strong Directorial Vision: The article suggests that the change in director significantly impacted the quality of "The Old Guard 2," highlighting the importance of directorial vision.
Consistent production of low-quality sequels could eventually lead to audience fatigue with established franchises, negatively impacting their long-term profitability.
The stark contrast between the reception of the two "Old Guard" films underscores the challenge of maintaining creative consistency within a franchise, even with returning key personnel.
Studios might need to re-evaluate their strategies for greenlighting and overseeing sequels to ensure they are maintaining a level of quality that resonates with both critics and audiences.
Implications for filmmakers: Don't Rely on Star Power Alone: Quality Still Matters in the Long Run
The Importance of a Strong Script and Direction: Even with talented actors, a poorly written or directed film is likely to be negatively received.
Maintaining Consistency in Sequels: Filmmakers should strive to maintain a consistent level of quality and storytelling when working on sequels to successful films.
Taking on a sequel to a beloved film carries the significant risk of failing to meet high expectations, potentially damaging their reputation.
Directors taking over established franchises might face challenges in balancing their own creative vision with the existing tone and style of the series.
Filmmakers might need to navigate the pressure from studios to prioritize speed and star power over thorough development and quality execution in sequels.
Consumer Trend: The Star-Driven Stream: Following Celebrities to Streaming Platforms
Detailed description: A notable trend where consumers actively seek out and watch content on streaming platforms based on the presence of their favorite actors or celebrities, often leading to high viewership for projects featuring popular stars, regardless of critical reception.
Consumer Sub Trend: Sequel Skepticism: A Growing Wariness Towards Follow-Ups
Detailed description: Despite the draw of familiar franchises, there's a growing consumer skepticism towards sequels, particularly when the original was well-regarded. Audiences are increasingly aware of the potential for sequels to fall short of their predecessors, leading to cautious viewing habits.
Big Social Trend: The Influence of Platform Algorithms: Shaping Viewing Habits
Detailed description: A significant social trend where the algorithms of streaming platforms play a major role in shaping what content viewers discover and watch, often prioritizing new releases and popular titles, which can sometimes overshadow quality or more niche content.
Worldwide Social Trend: Global Star Power: The Universal Appeal of Celebrities on Streaming
Detailed description: The draw of popular actors and celebrities on streaming platforms transcends geographical boundaries, with internationally recognized stars like Charlize Theron attracting global viewership to their projects.
Social Drive: Seeking Immediate Entertainment: The Convenience Factor of Streaming
Detailed description: A primary driver for consumer behavior on streaming platforms is the convenience of accessing a vast library of content instantly, leading to viewing choices often based on immediate availability and the presence of familiar faces rather than extensive pre-selection or critical evaluation.
Movie Trend: The Sequel Disconnect: Falling Short of the Original's Success
Detailed description: A recurring trend within film franchises where sequels fail to live up to the critical and audience acclaim of the original film, often due to changes in creative direction, writing, or other key factors.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025: Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Reputation: Choose Wisely
Consider the Project's Overall Quality: While associating with a popular actor might offer initial visibility, brands should also consider the overall quality and long-term reputation of the project.
Focus on Authentic Alignment: Ensure that brand partnerships feel genuine and align with the values and image of the star and the content.
Consider the critical reception of a project, as negative reviews can sometimes overshadow the positive impact of star power.
Learnings for film industry to use in 2025: Quality Control is Key: Don't Bank on Brand Recognition Alone
Invest in Strong Writing and Directing for Sequels: Studios should prioritize quality behind-the-camera talent to ensure that sequels maintain the standards of the originals.
Don't Assume Star Power Will Carry a Weak Film: While star power can attract initial viewers, poor quality will likely lead to negative word-of-mouth and hinder long-term success.
Pay close attention to audience feedback during the development process of sequels to identify potential issues early on.
Learnings for film makers to use in 2025: Consistency and Vision: Maintaining Standards in Sequels
Strive for Consistency in Tone and Story: When directing or writing a sequel, try to maintain the elements that made the original film successful.
Have a Clear Creative Vision: A strong directorial vision is crucial for ensuring the quality and coherence of a film, especially in a sequel where expectations are high.
Understand the expectations of the fanbase and strive to deliver a sequel that honors the original while also offering something new and exciting.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: Look Beyond the Top Spot: Consider Sustained Engagement
Track Viewer Retention: Instead of solely focusing on initial viewership numbers, brands should monitor how long viewers engage with content on streaming platforms to assess the true impact of a partnership.
Engage with Online Discussions: Monitor social media and online forums to gauge audience sentiment towards a film and its stars before committing to a partnership.
Include clauses in partnership agreements that address potential negative critical reception or a significant drop in quality from the original.
Strategy Recommendations film industry to follow in 2025: Prioritize Creative Integrity: Don't Sacrifice Quality for Speed
Allow Sufficient Development Time: Studios should give filmmakers adequate time to develop strong scripts and a clear creative vision for sequels, rather than rushing production.
Value Experienced Directors: Consider the track record and directorial vision of filmmakers when entrusting them with sequels to popular films.
Implement a "creative council" of key figures from the original film to consult on sequels and ensure a consistent vision.
Strategy Recommendations for film makers to follow in 2025: Understand the Source Material: Respect the Legacy of the First Film
Thorough Research: If directing a sequel, thoroughly understand the original film's themes, characters, and overall tone.
Collaborate with Original Creators: If possible, collaborate with the writers or directors of the first film to ensure a cohesive vision for the sequel.
Advocate for creative control and resist pressure to compromise the quality of the film for the sake of speed or studio mandates that don't align with the original's spirit.
Final note:
Core Trend: Streaming Success vs. Critical Failure: The Divide in Film Reception on Streaming Platforms
Core Strategy: Balancing Star Power with Quality Content: The Key to Long-Term Streaming Success
Core Movie Trend: The Sequel Disconnect: Sequels Often Struggle to Replicate the Success of the Original
Core Consumer Motivation: The Click of Familiarity vs. The Search for Quality Entertainment
Final Conclusion: The Streaming Paradox: When Top Views Don't Equal Top Quality
The case of "The Old Guard 2" highlights a growing paradox in the age of streaming: films can achieve massive initial viewership on platforms like Netflix due to star power and the built-in audience of a successful predecessor, even when they are met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from both critics and general viewers. This underscores a potential shift in how success is measured in the entertainment industry, where the sheer volume of content and the ease of access on streaming can sometimes outweigh traditional indicators of quality. While Netflix might tout the film's number one debut, the significant drop in Rotten Tomatoes scores raises concerns about the long-term viability of franchises that fail to maintain the creative standards of their originals. Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder for both creators and consumers to look beyond initial hype and prioritize content that offers genuine quality and engaging storytelling.
Core Movie Trend Detailed: The Perils of the Follow-Up: Examining the Sequel Disconnect
The core movie trend of The Sequel Disconnect is a recurring issue in filmmaking, particularly in franchise development. The pressure to quickly capitalize on the success of an original film can often lead to sequels that lack the creative spark, strong writing, and cohesive vision of their predecessors. "The Old Guard 2" serves as a stark example of this phenomenon, where a well-received original film is followed by a sequel that fails to resonate with both critics and the audience. This disconnect can stem from various factors, including changes in key creative personnel (such as the director in this case), rushed production schedules, or a simple inability to recapture the magic of the first film. The result can be a disappointing experience for fans and a potential setback for the future of the franchise.
Key Characteristics of the Core trend: Defining the Sequel Disconnect
Significant Drop in Critical Reception: Sequels often receive much lower scores from critics compared to the original film.
Decline in Audience Satisfaction: General viewers also frequently rate sequels lower than their predecessors.
Change in Creative Personnel: Key roles such as director, writer, or cinematographer might be different in the sequel.
Rushed Production: Sequels are sometimes fast-tracked to capitalize on initial success, potentially sacrificing quality.
Failure to Capture the Original's Spark: The sequel might lack the novelty, originality, or emotional resonance that made the first film popular.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: Echoes of Disappointment: Evidence of the Sequel Slump
Lower Rotten Tomatoes Scores: The stark contrast in scores between original films and their sequels is a clear indicator.
Negative Word-of-Mouth: Disappointed fans often express their dissatisfaction with sequels on social media and online forums.
Decreasing Box Office Returns (Sometimes): While not always the case initially, subsequent sequels in a series might see a decline in box office performance due to audience fatigue or disappointment with earlier installments.
Critical Think Pieces: Film critics and journalists frequently analyze and discuss the phenomenon of disappointing sequels.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: Proceeding with Caution: The Rise of Sequel Skepticism
Lowered Expectations for Sequels: Audiences might approach sequels with more caution and lower expectations, especially for franchises with a history of diminishing returns.
Greater Reliance on Reviews Before Viewing Sequels: Viewers might be more likely to seek out reviews before investing their time in watching a sequel.
Increased Willingness to Abandon a Franchise: If a sequel is significantly disappointing, fans might be less inclined to watch future installments.
Implications Across the Ecosystem: The Ripple Effect of Disappointing Follow-Ups
For Brands and CPGs: Caution in long-term partnerships with franchises that show signs of declining quality.
For Retailers: Potential for decreased merchandise sales if a sequel underperforms and dampens enthusiasm for the franchise.
For Consumers: Frustration and disappointment when highly anticipated sequels fail to meet expectations.
For Movie Industry: Financial risks associated with producing sequels that don't resonate with audiences.
For Filmmakers: Pressure to deliver successful sequels while also facing the challenge of living up to the original.
Strategic Forecast: Navigating the Sequel Minefield: A Cautious Future for Follow-Ups
The trend of the sequel disconnect is likely to continue. The financial incentives for producing sequels remain strong, but audiences are becoming increasingly discerning. Studios and filmmakers will need to prioritize quality and creative integrity to avoid the pitfalls of disappointing follow-ups. Building on established success requires more than just revisiting familiar characters and storylines; it demands a compelling vision and a commitment to maintaining the standards of the original.
Areas of innovation (by using core trend): Reimagining the Sequel: Finding New Ways to Follow Up Success
Time Jumps and Genre Shifts: Taking a sequel in an unexpected direction by moving far into the future or changing the genre.
Focus on New Characters in the Same World: Expanding the universe of a successful film by focusing on different characters and perspectives.
Anthology Sequels: Creating a series of standalone stories set within the same world or using the same concept.
Directorial or Writer Swaps with Bold Visions: Bringing in fresh creative talent with a distinct approach to revitalize a franchise.
Honest Acknowledgment of Past Mistakes: Sequels that address the shortcomings of previous installments can sometimes win back audiences.
Final Thought: The Shadow of the Original: The Enduring Challenge of a Successful Sequel
The shadow of a successful original film looms large over any sequel. "The Old Guard 2" serves as a stark reminder that simply bringing back familiar elements and star power is not enough to guarantee success. Maintaining quality, a compelling narrative, and a clear creative vision are essential for crafting a sequel that can live up to the legacy of its predecessor and avoid the pitfalls of the sequel disconnect.
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