Booker’s betrayal in The Old Guard shocked fans, but his actions came at a heavy cost. The immortal warrior’s decision to side with a ruthless pharmaceutical CEO fractured his centuries-old bond with Andy and the team. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and why it changed everything.
Booker’s Betrayal: Why Did He Turn Against the Old Guard?
Booker, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, betrayed his team in The Old Guard by helping Merrick, a greedy pharmaceutical executive, capture them. His reason? Centuries of pain and exhaustion from outliving everyone he loved.
“By any measure of The Trolley Problem, if you could trade the lives of four people (who are objectively mass murderers) in exchange for solving horrific diseases like bone cancer in children, or even make any kind of headway in medical research that could save untold suffering and lives, you do it. Period.”
Booker believed that if scientists could study their immortality, they might find a cure for deadly diseases. He also secretly hoped Merrick could end his own immortality. But his plan backfired when Merrick turned out to be cruel, treating the immortals like lab rats.
The Immediate Consequences of Booker’s Decision
The betrayal had brutal consequences:
- Andy was shot and captured, a wound that didn’t heal quickly—hinting her immortality was fading.
- Joe and Nicky were tortured by Merrick’s scientists, suffering endlessly due to their healing abilities.
- Nile, the newest immortal, was forced into a deadly fight to free the team.
Despite Booker’s regret and last-minute help in defeating Merrick, the damage was done. Trust was broken, and Andy had to punish him.
Andy’s Punishment: 100 Years of Exile
Andy couldn’t forgive Booker easily. Instead of killing him—which wouldn’t work since he’s immortal—she banished him for 100 years.
“They want some sort of punishment, but there’s a strong sense that even the ‘100 years’ is accompanied by something of a knowing wink, we the viewer are left with doubt that the separation will last even a year, given the clear sadness felt by everyone and the heat of anger that even then appears to be burning itself out.”
This punishment was harsh but showed Andy’s leadership. She understood Booker’s pain but couldn’t let his betrayal go unpunished.
The Emotional Fallout: How the Team Was Affected
- Andy’s Mortality Crisis: After losing her healing powers, she became more vulnerable, changing how she led the team.
- Nile’s Loyalty Test: As the newest member, she had to prove herself in the battle against Merrick.
- Joe and Nicky’s Trauma: Their torture left deep emotional scars, even if their bodies healed.
The betrayal also set up a major twist in the ending—Quynh’s return.
Quynh’s Return: A New Threat from the Past
The post-credits scene revealed Quynh (Veronica Ngô), Andy’s former ally and lover, had escaped her underwater prison after 500 years. She found Booker, drunk and broken, hinting at her revenge.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” she says, sipping water while Booker stares in shock.
Her return teased a bigger conflict in The Old Guard 2, where her rage and Andy’s guilt would clash.
What Booker’s Betrayal Means for the Future
Booker’s actions had lasting effects:
- The Team’s Trust Was Shattered – Even after helping defeat Merrick, his banishment left a void.
- Andy’s Leadership Was Tested – She had to balance mercy and justice.
- Quynh’s Revenge Looms – Her return threatens the already fractured team.
Also Read: The Old Guard 2 Is Now Streaming on Netflix: Cast, Plot, and Fan Reactions
Fans debated whether Booker was a villain or just a broken man. His story showed that even immortals can’t escape pain.
Credits: Sources include Netflix, Decider, Thrillist, and ScreenRant.
