Cameron Diaz has made her much-anticipated return to acting, starring alongside Jamie Foxx in Netflix’s latest action-comedy film, "Back in Action", after a decade-long hiatus.
The film, which premiered on Netflix on January 17, follows former CIA spies Matt and Emily Reynolds, portrayed by Foxx and Diaz, as their quiet suburban life is disrupted when an online video exposes their identities.
Forced back into the world of espionage to protect their family, the pair face old enemies, unexpected allies, and high-stakes missions in this thrilling yet humorous adventure.
"Back in Action" marks Diaz’s first film role since 2014, when she played Ms Hannigan in the "Annie" remake, which also starred Foxx.
Reflecting on her time away from Hollywood, the actor revealed her decision to step back was driven by a desire to focus on her personal life.
"Oh my God, I loved it. It was the best 10 years of my life," Diaz said during a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
"I was just free to say, ‘I’m a mum, I’m a wife, I’m living my life."
She explained that her break was a deliberate choice for her family, though she acknowledged the irony of how eventually, “people stopped asking” her to take on roles.
"The Holiday" actor said her return to acting was not a random decision but something she thought about carefully.
“I thought to myself, if I just let this go, all the goodwill I’ve built over time and my passion for entertaining people would be wasted. I’d be a fool not to give it another chance. So here I am, and I’m really grateful. It’s a privilege to do this," she said with excitement.
Diaz credited Foxx, who also serves as an executive producer on "Back in Action", for personally reaching out to encourage her to join the project.
"If there’s anyone I’d want to spend months on set with, laughing and having a ball, it’s Jamie," she said in a Netflix interview.
The actor also revealed that the film’s story resonated with her.
"This is one of those little fantasies parents have – for their kids to see them as they were before they had all the responsibilities of being a parent," she said.
Diaz hopes the movie will give families a chance to watch together and spark conversations about their lives before parenthood.
"Hopefully, this is a film parents can watch with their children, and maybe their kids will side-eye them a little and wonder if they were cool before they came along."
Why BACK IN ACTION is Cameron Diaz’s first movie in 10 years, in her own words. Premiering this Friday. pic.twitter.com/lNzFI1sNv6
In her time away from acting, Diaz embraced motherhood and successfully launched her wine brand, Avaline.
In addition to "Back in Action", Diaz will reprise her iconic role as Fiona in an upcoming "Shrek" sequel.
She has also signed on for "Outcome", a dark comedy directed by Jonah Hill and starring Keanu Reeves.
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