Kiki Layne Talks Netflix's The Old Guard And Her Greatest Power In Life
Netflix presents The Old Guard, a Gina Prince-Bythewood film starring Kiki Layne, Charlize Theron, and more. Based on the comic book of the same name, The Old Guard unfolds the chronicle of a troop of immortal mercenaries whose secret of being indestructible is exposed when a mission backfires.
The relationship between two badass women — Andy (Charlize Theron) and Nile (Kiki Layne) — is at the heart of The Old Guard. There are conflicts and issues of trust, but most important of all, the movie delivers the dynamic where women uplift and empower each other.
“The script came to me at a time when I had been looking to move into a bigger sandbox, and it ended up presenting me with the opportunity to do exactly what I wanted to: to put female heroes into the world, one of whom is a young black woman,” said Gina Prince-Bythewood when discussing the core of The Old Guard's storytelling.
Best known for her role in If Beale Street Could Talk (which you can also watch on Netflix), Kiki Layne (@kikilayne) has been slowly building up her résumé over the years by playing contrasting characters, and The Old Guard marks her very first action film.
Here, the actress shares more about her latest film, her career, and growing up:
Who is your hero and to whom do you think you're a hero?
My mom is my hero. [thinks] Well, I hope that I am a hero, but instead of a "hero", I want to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to all the young black actresses out there.
Growing up, what do you think is your greatest power?
My ability to cheer people up! [laughs] You know, I hate to see any of my friends being down, so I am always happy to be the one who hypes them up and does some random stuff just to put a smile back on their faces.
What course are you willing to fight for even though it might take your whole lifetime?
I think I am doing that right now. Like being a black voice in the industry, and how to not be limited to the same type of roles and storytelling.
Is there anyone you've learned a lot from recently?
I am lucky enough to work with a lot of amazing people that I've learned a lot from. Charlize is one of them. The Old Guard is my very first action film and I am so grateful to have worked with Charlize, who has great experience in this genre. The relationship between Andy and Nile is at the heart of The Old Guard, and it truly shows how women lift and empower each other. Inside or outside the story, I've learnt a lot from Charlize.
For my personal life, it's definitely my mother. Just looking at her taking care of me and my brother, and how she always tries to give us a better life gives me strength.
Any words to Netflix audiences in the region?
First of all, Hiii! The Old Guard is the most global project I've ever been a part of, it will be delivered to people in different parts of the globe and it's just so amazing that I'm able to introduce myself to the friends [here]. I hope y'all enjoy the story!
Watch The Old Guard now on netflix.com
