A once-overlooked film featuring Christoph Waltz and Lucy Liu has gained unexpected popularity on Paramount+. Old Boy premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 17, 2024, before releasing in select U.S. theaters and digital platforms. Despite its lackluster critical reception, this movie has captured viewer attention as it climbs the streaming charts, illustrating the rising demand for the Lucy Liu Old Guy Paramount project.
Currently, Old Guy ranks fourth among Paramount+’s most popular movies as of February 10, according to data from FlixPatrol. It trails only behind three 2025 releases: The Running Man, Roofman, and Regretting You. The list also includes other notable titles such as Due Justice (2023), Just Like Heaven (2005), Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Wander (2020), and Jack Reacher (2012).
Director and Cast Bring Life to Aging Assassin Story
Old Guy, directed by Simon West—known for action films like Con Air and The Expendables 2—was written by Greg Johnson. The cast showcases Christoph Waltz in the role of Danny Dolinski, an aging hitman who takes on the responsibility of training a gifted young assassin played by Cooper Hoffman as Wihlborg. Additional cast members include Lucy Liu portraying Anata, Ryan McParland as Doug, Ann Akinjirin as Opal, Jason Done as Milo, Tony Hirst as William, and Kate Katzman as Simone.
The narrative centers on Dolinski’s journey as he mentors the new assassin, only to uncover hidden motives behind the assignment. This tension sets the stage for the film’s blend of thriller and action elements.
Critical Reception Contrasts Audience Approval
Despite its box office and festival presence, Old Guy met with predominantly negative reviews from critics. The film holds just a 26% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 38 professional critiques. Courtney Howard of Variety sharply criticized the movie, stating,
“Director Simon West and writer Greg Johnson take the tired Grumpy Veteran Argues With Fresh-Faced Rookie trope to all-new lows in a film that feels maddeningly disinterested in delivering any of its underdeveloped goods.” — Courtney Howard, Variety
In contrast, general audiences have responded far more positively, awarding the movie a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This disparity suggests that viewers are more engaged with the film than many critics anticipated.
What the Streaming Success Indicates for the Future
The surprising rise of Old Guy on Paramount+ highlights the unpredictable nature of streaming platforms, where viewer tastes can differ sharply from critical opinion. It also illustrates the ongoing appeal of action thrillers featuring established stars like Christoph Waltz and Lucy Liu. As Paramount+ continues to expand its offerings, titles like Old Guy could influence future content strategy, particularly for projects blending veteran actors with fresh narratives.
With this growing audience, the film’s success on the platform may lead to renewed interest in similar action thrillers and further collaborations among the film’s cast and creative team.
