How Victoria Mahoney’s Star Wars Experience Shaped The Old Guard 2
Explore how Victoria Mahoney’s groundbreaking role as second unit director on Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker informed her directorial approach on Netflix’s The Old Guard 2 blending franchise legacy with bold new vision .
From Indie Roots to Star Wars Trailblazer
Victoria Mahoney launched her film career with the semi autobiographical indie drama Yelling to the Sky 2011 a gritty feature she shot in just 18 days . While the film earned festival recognition it didn’t gain wide commercial success . Mahoney transitioned into television where she honed her directorial skills across critically acclaimed series including Queen Sugar Greys Anatomy Power and You .
Her breakthrough into blockbuster filmmaking came in 2018 when JJ Abrams brought her on as second unit director for Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker . This appointment made Mahoney the first woman and the first Black woman to direct content for the Star Wars universe . On the sprawling Pinewood Studios set she navigated the challenges of directing large scale action sequences orchestrating complex shots involving creatures lightsabers and extensive visual effects all while handling unpredictable elements like sandstorms during location shoots in Jordan .
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Star Wars as Her Visual School
Mahoney describes her Star Wars tenure as her school to this ZIP code a place where she mastered the visual and logistical language of blockbuster storytelling . She learned the importance of honoring the DNA of a beloved franchise while finding creative freedom within its boundaries .
From filming the jungle Rebel base on Ajan Kloss to coordinating battle sequences Mahoney gained a deep understanding of how to infuse the fantastical with realism . What would I feel as someone leaping through the sky she asked herself seeking truth in even the most impossible moments . This grounding in emotional authenticity became a core principle she carried forward .
Enter The Old Guard 2 Balancing Legacy and Vision
In 2022 Netflix and Skydance approached Mahoney to direct The Old Guard 2 the sequel to the 2020 hit action fantasy starring Charlize Theron . Production began at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios and the film reunites returning cast members Charlize Theron Andy and KiKi Layne Nile while welcoming new faces like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Uma Thurman .
Taking over from original director Gina Prince Bythewood Mahoney embraced the task with confidence . Her experience on Star Wars taught her to respect the established foundation while evolving the visual language . One standout sequence involves a time shifting journey through Roman streets and ancient ruins where she used changing color palettes and camera lenses to reflect the immortals centuries of memory .
Amped Up Fights Emotional Stakes
One of the film’s most anticipated scenes is a swordfight between Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman. Mahoney revealed she pursued Thurman with secret texts in the night envisioning a showdown between two screen legends akin to Black Mamba fighting Atomic Blonde . Initially planned as a short scene the duel expanded into a dramatic emotionally charged centerpiece praised for its choreography and character development .
Mahoney insists that action must always serve narrative purpose. Every punch and strike she argues should reveal a characters inner truth not just thrill the audience with spectacle .
Production Challenges and Epic Scope
The production faced several setbacks including a fire at Cinecittà Studios in August 2022 and industry wide strikes in 2023 that delayed schedules and script approvals . Despite these obstacles Mahoney crafted a film that blends global scale with intimate emotion . Using shadow firelight and crumbling ruins she deepened the mythic tone of the story elevating its visual poetry .
What’s Next A Director in Motion
The Old Guard 2 is set for release on Netflix on July 2 2025. Despite its scale and high expectations Mahoney remains pragmatic . She views the film as three moves on the chessboard not a sudden arrival but a continuation of a carefully crafted journey . While critical respect is building she understands the industry doesn’t change overnight .
With The Old Guard 2 Victoria Mahoney reaffirms her place as a filmmaker capable of merging blockbuster ambition with deeply human storytelling charting a bold path in modern cinema .