In this new interview for Netflix’s The Old Guard, Shadow and Act’s Aramide Tinubu spoke with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and star KiKi Layne about how the story went from graphic novel to Netflix original.

“I saw it as an action-drama,” said Prince-Bythewood. “…It was about these characters’ search for purpose, [characters who] were compelled to do good in the world but not knowing why, and the cost and tragedy of immortality.”

“The very first thing that got me excited about the film was just the opportunity to work with Gina,” said Layne. “But then once I got to read the script and got to speak with Gina more about the part…it was this opportunity to jump into action and to play this very physical character but still be able to lean into the heart and her vulnerability and showing all of those different sides.”

“To know that I was going to be directed by someone who was going to encourage all of that, who is very much so vocal about this not being another flat, one-sided Black female character,” she continued.“So being able to be a part of bringing such a full character to life in something that we don’t see often, that made me want to jump in and give it all that I got.”

Check out the full interview below. The Old Guard is now streaming on Netflix.

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Photo: Aimee Spinks/Netflix