Reprising her role as Nile Freeman in The Old Guard 2—the eagerly awaited sequel to Netflix’s 2020 global action-fantasy phenomenon—KiKi Layne is ready to captivate audiences once again. Returning to the screen alongside Academy Award–winner Charlize Theron, Layne brings back the fierce determination and emotional depth that made Nile a breakout character in the first installment. Adding to the excitement, this go introduces Uma Thurman in a mysterious new role, promising fresh twists and thrilling dynamics. In between delivering a blend of action, heart and the supernatural, Layne recently chatted with us to talk the sequel, skin care and all things summer.
Where is your head as the film starts streaming today? We all wait for these Netflix releases.
Right! It feels amazing to be able to have these two films under my belt. It’s wonderful to come back for this new film. I love this cast so much—it’s amazing to sort of jump back in and be able to work with each other again. Also, the challenge as an actor to return to a role so many years after first doing it is pretty cool. Obviously, working with Charlize again is amazing. The second time around, now there’s Uma, too? What? Mind-blown. Honestly, earlier today, I was saying: “Today, there’s a movie in the world that I’m starring in with Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman.” Mind blown.
When you do something like this, something that is so action-oriented, do you have to get in shape? Is there anything you had to prep for for the role?
For sure. Getting in shape and really honoring the physicality of the role was huge. I love preparing for a character and digging into a character. Who are they? Where am I in alignment with the character? Where is there a disconnect? I love exploring that. For Nile, her physicality is extremely important to the role, and I have to do right by that. It definitely meant being in the gym more than I’ve ever been in the gym in my entire life, and just really pushing myself physically—especially the second time around. This time around, we’re doing bigger stunts, and I really wanted to make sure that I could do as much of that as possible. But it is really an honor to explore this character and do what’s being asked of her.
Is there anything beauty or skin care that you used on set as a constant?
Yes. The main face wash that I’ve been using is from a company that is actually a local Black woman-owned company from Cincinnati, which is my hometown. It is called Skin by Brownlee & Co. I use a lot of her products. She has this really great face wash that is gentle but effective. That’s probably my go-to face wash. Then, sometimes, I also use Sunday Riley. This is a newer thing that I’ve been using. Their Aquamarine Melt is a super gentle cleanser that is really good. I don’t know. Those are two face washes that I feel really nail it—they are both effective, yet gentle. I also use Skin by Brownlee & Co.’s serum. She has a glycolic acid, a salicylic acid, all really great stuff. Of course, I love that it’s a brand that was started by a Black woman from Cincinnati, so I’m definitely going to support that.
What else was I using on set? Oh, Arcona Triad Pads. They have a couple of different ones. I’m pretty sure it’s the Triad Pads that I like. That are super great. Also, their Magic Black Ice mask is everything. That mask is so good. That mask I use anytime before I have an appearance or a big event or something, the night before, I am 1000% using that mask.
Amazing brand.
Yes, Arcona is so great. It’s so great! It was introduced to me on Don’t Worry Darling, actually, and I still use so many of their products as well. It’s such a great brand.
That was my next question. I think I was first introduced to you in Don’t Worry Darling. When it comes to all your roles, was there anything that was really fun or challenging to get into character for styling-wise or makeup-wise?
Well, in Don’t Worry Darling, I had on a wig, like a fun little wig, so that was different for me. The Old Guard 2 was cool because I got to wear my locs out for the first time. That was so meaningful, as a Black woman, to wear a style that the industry has not always made kind space for. It’s a style that I think a lot of us feel we’ve been tricked into thinking: “Oh, it’s not professional, it’s not nice, it’s not pretty or beautiful.” To be leading an action film while having natural locs, I think that’s probably been my favorite hair moment so far in a film. It felt so much more poignant to wear a style that the industry hasn’t made much space for, really.
You’re pretty busy doing press for the film. Will you be able to relax this summer or are you on to the next work project?
I think I’m going to be relaxing mostly. Honestly, it’s a weird time in the business right now…just not as much work available, so we’ll see what happens. I’m learning to do a better job of sitting in the moment and really celebrating what I’ve accomplished. I think, in this business, in any business, we can get so caught up in what’s next that we don’t even really get to celebrate and have appreciation for what we’ve accomplished. If the only thing that happens this summer is that an action movie that I’m starring in with Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman comes out, it’s a pretty damn great summer!
I’d say so. I think that would set people up for the next 10 summers.
Right, basically! That’s something I’ve been challenging myself on with this business. It’s something that we all do. I think no matter what part of the business that you’re in, we can all learn to be a bit more intentional. Just taking a moment to say, “Hey, look at what the hell I’ve done!” Thinking about where we all come from, where we all get started is so important. I’m from Ohio. You said you are from Pennsylvania. It’s like, this is pretty cool, right? On a Wednesday before the 4th, we get to talk about a film and do the things that we love to do. So I’m just leaning into that this summer. And if my man wants to take me somewhere cute and if he wants to take me to a beach or something, then I’m going to do that as well!
