Cameron Diaz is back in the spotlight. After a nearly 11-year break from acting, the former box-office queen returns to the big screen in Back in Action, a high-octane spy action comedy set to premiere on Netflix on January 17. The film also stars Jamie Foxx, her co-star from the 2014 remake of Annie, marking a reunion for the duo.
Back in Action is a comedic thriller that centers on Diaz and Foxx as Emily and Matt, a retired CIA agent couple who are forced back into action when their cover is blown. Set against a backdrop of intense action and espionage, the couple finds themselves on the run, grappling with dangerous foes and explosive situations. The film’s trailer teases plenty of action-packed moments, including a flamethrower-wielding Foxx torching enemies and the pair escaping a crashing plane via parachute.
“We’re like Jason Bourne, but we remember stuff,” Foxx jokes in the trailer, referring to the duo’s seasoned spy skills. The lighthearted tone of the film is balanced by the action-packed sequences, giving it the feel of a traditional spy thriller with a comedic twist.
The star-studded ensemble cast includes Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, and Rylan Jackson, adding to the film’s appeal. The movie is directed by Seth Gordon, known for his work on Horrible Bosses and Baywatch. Gordon co-wrote the script with Brendan O’Brien, who previously worked on Neighbors. The combination of Gordon’s directorial expertise and O’Brien’s writing chops ensures that Back in Action will be a blend of humor and thrilling action.
For Diaz, Back in Action marks a significant return to the screen after announcing her retirement from acting in 2014. At the time, the actress decided to step away from Hollywood to focus on her family life with husband Benji Madden and their two children. Since then, Diaz has remained in the public eye, launching her successful organic wine brand, Avaline, and appearing on talk shows like The Drew Barrymore Show and RuPaul’s Drag Race. She also announced her return to voice acting, with a role in the highly anticipated animated film Shrek 5.
Though Diaz has remained active in other ventures, Back in Action represents her long-awaited return to live-action film. In an interview, the actress expressed her excitement about returning to the genre that made her a household name, admitting that the timing felt right after years of stepping away from the limelight.
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For Foxx, Back in Action represents a major career milestone as well, marking his first major project since a mysterious medical emergency that sidelined him in 2023. Foxx has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his illness, but he is slated to address the incident in a forthcoming Netflix stand-up special, What Had Happened Was. The comedian and actor’s health scare had raised concern among fans, but his return to the screen in Back in Action signals that he is back in full form.
The pairing of Diaz and Foxx is one of the film’s most anticipated aspects, with fans eager to see their on-screen chemistry reignite after nearly a decade. Both stars bring a wealth of experience to their roles, combining their comedic talents with the action-packed demands of the spy genre.
Back in Action is poised to be one of Netflix’s biggest releases in early 2024, offering a mix of thrilling action, sharp humor, and the star power of two Hollywood veterans. Whether you’re a fan of the spy genre or just excited to see Diaz and Foxx back together on screen, Back in Action is sure to deliver.
With the premiere date just around the corner, audiences are eagerly awaiting the release of this high-energy adventure. As the countdown begins, the action is set to intensify, and the laughs are sure to follow.
