In 2014, Cameron Diaz last appeared in the movie Annie, playing the cruel and drunk Ms. Colleen Hannigan. Now, after 10 long years, the Charlie’s Angels star is back with a loud bang in Back in Action, a film that marks her official return to acting.
This movie is not just a major comeback for her career but also reunites her with Jamie Foxx, her on-screen partner in crime. The two first worked together in 1999 in Any Given Sunday and later in Annie in 2014.
The new film, Back in Action, is an action-comedy directed by Seth Gordon, who is known for his work on movies like Horrible Bosses and TV shows like The Night Agent. Based on the teasers of the movie, fans can expect a mix of comedy and thrilling action, much like Gordon’s previous projects.
Back in Action follows the story of Emily and Matt, two former CIA spies who left their dangerous lives behind to raise a family. However, their pasts come back to haunt them when their cover is blown.
The couple, who are also parents of two children, must return to the dangerous world of international espionage. With the help of their contacts and their children, Matt and Emily go on a mission to protect their family and possibly save the world.
The film is set against a backdrop of international conspiracies and secret agents, promising plenty of comedy, action-packed sequences, and clever dialogues.
The on-screen chemistry between Foxx and Diaz will surely add to the fun. Besides the two stars, the movie features an interesting ensemble cast that adds a lot of flavor to the story. The movie will be released in January, and you’ll want to check out who plays whom in Back in Action.
Cameron Diaz as Emily
In Back in Action, Cameron Diaz plays Emily, a former CIA spy who decided to leave her dangerous life behind to escape the risks and focus on raising her family. Emily now lives a peaceful life with her husband and children and even sells things on Etsy.
But when her past life suddenly catches up with her, Emily is forced to return to the dangerous world she thought she had left behind. Despite her peaceful life, Emily secretly misses the thrill of her former career. When her cover is blown, she awakens the spy in her and gets back into action.
Cameron Diaz, who is known for her roles in action comedies like Charlie’s Angels and Knight and Day, returns to both acting and the genre in Back in Action. Diaz’s acting career took off after her breakthrough role in The Mask, where she became a star.
She went on to star in many popular comedies such as My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Holiday, and Bad Teacher. Diaz also played iconic roles in There’s Something About Mary, Vanilla Sky, Being John Malkovich, and Gangs of New York. These performances earned her several Golden Globe nominations.
After Back in Action, Diaz is set to reprise her voice role of Fiona in the fifth film of the Shrek franchise and star in a new black comedy film titled Outcome, directed and starring Jonah Hill.
Jamie Foxx as Matt
Jamie Foxx plays Matt, Emily’s husband and the father of their children. Like Emily, Matt was once a skilled CIA spy but left that life behind to live a more peaceful existence.
He has spent years living like an ordinary suburban dad, but his life is turned upside down when his former identity is revealed, putting his family and home at risk. Matt must join forces with his wife Emily once again to face the dangerous world of espionage.
Foxx, who is an Academy Award and Grammy Award winner, is best known for his roles in films such as Ray, Miami Vice, Collateral, Jarhead, Dreamgirls, Django Unchained, and Baby Driver.
He has also appeared in TV shows like The Jamie Foxx Show, where he served as the creator, producer, and star. Foxx is set to direct, write, and star in the upcoming sports-comedy All-Star Weekend, as well as in the action-thriller Tin Soldier.
Glenn Close as Ginny
Ginny, played by Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close, is another former spy who joins forces with Emily and Matt on their mission. Ginny may appear calm and collected on the outside, but she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to taking down bad guys.
Glenn Close is known for her incredible range as an actress, having starred in films such as Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, The Wife, and Albert Nobbs, all of which earned her Academy Award nominations.
She has also earned critical acclaim for her work in television, with standout roles in shows like Damages, Tehran, and The Shield. Close is set to appear in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming thriller series All’s Fair and the next Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man.
Jamie Demetriou as Nigel
Nigel, played by comedian and actor Jamie Demetriou, is another associate of Emily and Matt. Although there is not much revealed about his character, it seems that he shares a unique chemistry with Ginny. Demetriou is best known for his short but memorable role as Bus Rodent in the TV series Fleabag.
He also created and starred in the British sitcom Slath for Flats, which earned him three BAFTA awards. Demetriou has appeared in films such as Paddington 2, Cruella, and Barbie. He will also appear in the upcoming coming-of-age comedy-drama Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach.
Andrew Scott as Baron
Baron, a key character in Back in Action, is played by BAFTA Award winner and Golden Globe-nominated actor Andrew Scott. Scott is best known for his role as James Moriarty in the BBC series Sherlock, for which he won a BAFTA Award.
He also gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of The Priest in the TV series Fleabag, which earned him an Emmy win. Scott’s other recent performances include roles in All of Us Strangers and Ripley, both of which were praised for his performances.
After Back in Action, Scott will appear in the upcoming Knives Out sequel, Wake Up Dead Man, the musical biopic Blue Moon, and the war drama Pressure.
Kyle Chandler as Chuck
Chuck, another important character in Back in Action, is played by Primetime Emmy Award-winning actor Kyle Chandler. Chuck is an agent who has worked with Matt and Emily in the past, and the three have a long history together. Chandler is best known for his role in the hit TV series Friday Night Lights.
He has also appeared in shows such as What About Joan?, Bloodline, and Super Pumped. In films, Chandler is known for his roles in Argo, Manchester by the Sea, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Chandler will also appear in the films Anniversary and RIP after Back in Action.
Other Cast Members
Fola-Evans Akingbola plays Wendy, a character who will intrigue viewers with her mysterious background. Akingbola is best known for her role in The Night Agent, a popular Netflix spy thriller.
McKenna Roberts plays Alice, the teenage daughter of Emily and Matt, while Rylan Jackson plays their son, Leo. Jackson made his film debut in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Back in Action will be released on Netflix on January 17, 2025. The movie promises to deliver plenty of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments, as Emily and Matt team up to save their family and the world from dangerous threats.
