Cameron Diaz is making headlines once more as she returns to the big screen with Netflix's aptly named film, Back in Action, co-starring Jamie Foxx. After almost a decade away from acting, Diaz had announced her retirement back in 2018, wishing to reclaim her personal life and focus on family. "For me, it was just something I had to do," Diaz shared at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit. "It felt like the right thing for me to reclaim my own life. And I just really didn’t care about anything else." During her time away from Hollywood, Diaz partnered with Katherine Power to launch Avaline, her vegan-friendly wine brand, demonstrating her commitment to building the life she wanted outside of acting.
Now, Diaz is back as Emily, one half of the duo of former spy partners turned suburban parents, alongside Jamie Foxx's Matt. The film, which was released on January 17, 2025, sees the couple trying to navigate the challenges of familial life, all the time grappling with their past missions. Despite facing doubts about their on-screen chemistry, early reviews noted the duo's endearing camaraderie, bringing elements of humor and relatable situations to the screen.
Diaz expressed her gratitude to Foxx for drawing her back to acting, taking to Instagram with enthusiasm, writing, "Jamie Foxx, only you could get me back in action!!! I can't frickin wait it's gonna be a blast!" Their previous collaborations included the 2003 film Any Given Sunday and her last film before retirement, Annie, both renowned for Diaz's memorable performances.
Unfortunately, the excitement around Back in Action has not translated to success on the screen. Critics and audiences alike have expressed disappointment for the film, which failed to meet expectations. An insider conveyed to RadarOnline, "It's a huge disappointment,” implying significant feelings of heartbreak for Diaz after all the effort she’d poured heart and soul into the project. "She put her heart and soul into this and really felt it was going to be a hit," the source explained, hinting at her high hopes for the reunion with Foxx.
Despite the promising premise, the film has come under fire for its execution. Critics described Back in Action as reminiscent of their previous endeavors, but falling short of delivering anything memorable. Diaz and Foxx's comedic timing was highlighted, yet the dialogue has been criticized for relying on worn-out clichés rather than delivering fresh, engaging content. "While the film serves as a delightful reminder of why we love Foxx and Diaz, it doesn’t offer much to be remembered," one review noted. The light-hearted charm of the actors only partially redeems the underwhelming plot and uninspired script.
The film navigates the absurdities of spying intermixed with family obligations, which could have provided fertile ground for both action and comedy. Instead, the screenplay, penned by Brendan O'Brien, lacks the crispness to transcend the mundane, leaving the comedic energy solely to the stars. While the action sequences were executed competently, they may not excite or intrigue audiences, hinting there might be minimal lasting impact.
Support performances by actors like Glenn Close and Andrew Scott fail to leave significant impressions, often leaning too hard on exaggerated portrayals rather than sustained depth. The sentiment around Diaz’s performance tends to oscillate, with some celebrating her enduring screen presence but others noting how the film doesn’t truly showcase her comprehensive talents.
Indeed, Back in Action is not the triumphant re-entry to Hollywood Diaz may have envisioned. Amid dashed hopes, rumors have begun circulating about her future intentions, stemming from her apparent disappointment toward the overall reception of the film. "Instead, the opposite has happened, and now she fears she is a forgotten has-been," suggested another source. The actress, having only just returned to Hollywood's grind, seems to be already reconsidering her engagement with the industry.
Perhaps most telling of all is how Diaz has reflected on her experience since the film's launch, indicating she feels discontent with the current state of Hollywood's filmmaking process. A separate insider stated, "She just doesn't seem happy with how Hollywood is still making movies... perhaps this time it will be permanent," hinting at Diaz's potential retreat from acting once more.
While Back in Action serves as earnest proof of Cameron Diaz's undeniable charisma, it also emphasizes the need for her to judiciously select her next roles if she wishes to avoid encasing herself again within any disillusioned Hollywood narratives. Despite her (mis)steps along the way, Diaz's undeniable spirit and talent still leave hunger for what the future ensures for her return.