KiKi Layne’s return as Nile Freeman in Netflix’s The Old Guard 2 demanded an even more rigorous physical transformation than the first installment. As Nile, a formidable immortal and former Marine, Layne embraced an intense training regimen that not only sculpted her physique but also deeply informed her character’s evolution. This comprehensive approach, particularly her collaboration with a specialized trainer and the integration of specific disciplines like boxing and advanced strength work, proved to be the pivotal routine that elevated her performance and physical capabilities.
Embracing the Physicality of Nile
For Layne, embodying Nile was inextricably linked to her physical preparation. She views the intense training as a crucial aspect of character development, allowing her to honor the demanding physicality of a Marine. This commitment to physical readiness was paramount, especially for The Old Guard 2, which features even more complex and demanding stunts. Layne’s goal was to ensure her body was in optimal shape to execute the extensive stunt work required for the film, much of which she performed herself.
The Partnership with Trainer Dwayne
A significant shift for Layne’s training in The Old Guard 2 was her collaboration with her cousin, Dwayne, a trainer based in Cincinnati. She spent weeks under his guidance, undergoing a demanding program designed to prepare her for the specific physical challenges of the sequel. This personal connection and focused attention from her trainer were instrumental in her progress.
Core Components of the Transformative Routine
Layne’s training regimen was multifaceted, combining various disciplines to build strength, endurance, and agility essential for her action-heavy role:
Dedicated Strength Training
Strength training formed a foundational element of Layne’s preparation. Her routine included exercises aimed at building overall power and muscle endurance. She specifically mentioned incorporating back squats, a compound exercise vital for lower body strength and power, which she appreciates for glute activation. To warm up and prime her upper body, isometric bicep curls and tricep push-ups were part of her routine. This focus on strength ensured she had the raw power needed for combat sequences and demanding physical feats.
Boxing: The Mental and Physical Edge
Boxing emerged as a particularly impactful component of Layne’s training for The Old Guard franchise. She began boxing for the first film and continued it intensely for the sequel, finding it an excellent method to inhabit a more physical character, especially that of a Marine. Boxing not only honed her combat skills but also provided a dynamic cardio workout, improving her agility, coordination, and mental fortitude. The discipline required in boxing translated directly into her character’s fighting style, which evolved to blend her military roots with the finesse of an immortal warrior.
Dynamic Movement and Cardio
Beyond strength and combat, Layne’s routine included exercises focused on control, power, and cardiovascular fitness. She performed “balance touches,” an exercise similar to a single-leg deadlift, to enhance her stability and power. To build cardiovascular endurance and fast-twitch muscle response, jump rope was incorporated into her workouts before donning boxing gloves. Incline walking also served as a strong finish to her training sessions, pushing her endurance.
The Mindset Shift: From Challenge to Fun
What truly “changed everything” for Layne was not just the physical exercises, but her evolving mindset towards the intensity of her training. She describes the rigorous preparation as “fun,” a way to challenge herself and overcome personal fears. Layne openly shared that it was a “nice feeling” to see her body transform and feel stronger, even joking about being able to “knock somebody out now”. Observing seasoned action veterans like Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman further solidified her dedication, reinforcing the importance of being fully prepared on set.
KiKi Layne’s transformation for The Old Guard 2 highlights a holistic approach to actor training, where physical conditioning is deeply intertwined with character immersion. Her commitment to intense strength training, the precision of boxing, and the guidance of her personal trainer collectively forged a routine that not only prepared her for the demanding stunts but also empowered her to embody Nile Freeman with unparalleled ferocity and authenticity.
