The 2 Major New Cameron Diaz Movies You Can't Miss (And When They Hit Netflix)

Cameron Diaz is back, and she is not messing around. After a self-imposed, decade-long hiatus from Hollywood that began after 2014’s Annie, the iconic star has officially returned to the screen, not just for one project, but for two major, high-profile Netflix action-comedies. As of today, December 18, 2025, fans have an iron-clad date for her long-awaited comeback film and a confirmed second project already in pre-production, cementing her return to the spotlight.

The immediate focus is on her reunion with long-time friend and co-star Jamie Foxx in the aptly titled Back in Action, set for an early 2025 release. However, the news of a second film, Bad Day, is perhaps the biggest indicator that the A-list actress is fully committed to her new chapter in cinema. This deep dive covers everything you need to know about Cameron Diaz’s two new movies, including release dates, plot summaries, and the stellar ensemble casts joining her on this exciting journey.

Cameron Diaz: A Quick Biography and Filmography

Cameron Michelle Diaz is a celebrated American actress, producer, and former model who rose to prominence in the 1990s and became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses by the early 2000s. Known for her distinctive smile, comedic timing, and versatility across genres, she has starred in some of the most memorable films of the last three decades.

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• Full Name: Cameron Michelle Diaz
• Date of Birth: August 30, 1972
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Benji Madden (m. 2015)
• Children: Raddix Madden (Daughter)
• Career Debut: The Mask (1994)
• Notable Filmography (Pre-Hiatus):
  • The Mask (1994)
  • My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
  • There's Something About Mary (1998)
  • Being John Malkovich (1999) (Golden Globe Nomination)
  • Charlie's Angels (2000)
  • Shrek Franchise (2001–2010) (Voice of Princess Fiona)
  • The Sweetest Thing (2002)
  • Gangs of New York (2002)
  • Bad Teacher (2011)
  • Annie (2014) (Final film before hiatus)
• Hiatus Period: 2014–2024
• Comeback Project: Back in Action (2025)

The Long-Awaited Comeback: 'Back in Action' (2025)

The news of Back in Action sent shockwaves through the industry, marking Cameron Diaz’s first film role in over a decade. The project is a high-octane action-comedy, a genre that Diaz mastered in classics like Charlie's Angels and Knight and Day. The film is a Netflix original and reunites her with Jamie Foxx, with whom she previously worked on Annie and Any Given Sunday.

Release Date, Director, and Plot Details

The film is scheduled for release on Netflix on January 17, 2025.

The movie is directed by Seth Gordon, known for his work on comedies like Horrible Bosses and Identity Thief, and was co-written by Gordon and Brendan O’Brien.

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The plot centers on Emily (Cameron Diaz) and Matt (Jamie Foxx), two former CIA operatives who decided to retire and live a quiet, incognito life after unexpectedly becoming pregnant and starting a family. Fifteen years later, their past life catches up to them when their cover is accidentally blown by their children, Ginny and Leo, pulling them back into the dangerous world of espionage and action.

The 'Back in Action' Ensemble Cast

The film boasts a strong supporting cast, adding significant star power and comedic depth to the spy thriller narrative. The list of co-stars ensures the film has the necessary gravitas for a major streaming release:

• Jamie Foxx as Matt (Co-lead, former CIA operative)
• Ginny (Character role)
• Jamie Demetriou as Nigel
• Rylan Jackson as Leo
• Andrew Scott as Baron (Known for his villainous roles, adding a layer of tension)
• Glenn Close (Undisclosed role)
• Kyle Chandler (Undisclosed role)

The reunion between Diaz and Foxx, a duo with proven on-screen chemistry, is one of the most highly anticipated aspects of the film. Foxx reportedly played a key role in convincing Diaz to end her retirement, making the project a true labor of love and friendship.

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The Next Chapter: 'Bad Day' (2025)

Solidifying her commitment to returning to acting, Cameron Diaz is already attached to a second Netflix project, Bad Day. This news confirms that her role in Back in Action was not a one-off curiosity but the beginning of a genuine second career phase. Like her comeback film, Bad Day is also categorized as an action-comedy, a genre that plays perfectly to her strengths.

Production Status and Premise

Bad Day is currently in pre-production, with filming scheduled to begin in September 2025. This timeline suggests a potential late 2026 or early 2027 release date, depending on the post-production schedule.

The premise of Bad Day is both relatable and action-packed. It follows a single mother, played by Diaz, who is desperately trying to keep one small, simple promise to her daughter. Unfortunately, this seemingly straightforward task unfolds during what becomes the absolute worst day of her life, escalating into a chaotic action scenario.

The film is directed by Jake Szymanski, who directed the comedy Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, and is written by Laura Solon.

The 'Bad Day' Supporting Cast and Topical Authority

The ensemble cast for Bad Day is another strong indicator of the film's potential, blending veteran comedic talent with newer stars. The inclusion of these entities adds significant topical authority to the project, linking it to established comedic and dramatic success:

• Ed O'Neill: Known globally for his iconic roles in Modern Family and Married... with Children.
• Danielle Brooks: An Emmy-nominated actress known for Orange Is the New Black and The Color Purple.
• John Higgins: A familiar face from comedies like Bad Teacher, reuniting him with Diaz.
• Other Cast Members: Other supporting roles are expected to be announced as the production date approaches.

The combination of Diaz’s star power, O’Neill’s comedic timing, and Brooks’ dramatic range suggests a film that will successfully balance the action and comedy elements, similar to Diaz's previous hits like The Sweetest Thing and Knight and Day.

What Cameron Diaz's Return Means for Hollywood

Cameron Diaz’s decision to step away from acting in 2014 was driven by a desire for a more private, grounded life, focusing on her marriage to Benji Madden and the birth of their daughter, Raddix. Her return is not just a personal choice, but a major moment for Hollywood and streaming services.

Her initial comeback film, Back in Action, is a significant win for Netflix, which is constantly seeking major star vehicles to attract and retain subscribers. The fact that she has followed this up with a second commitment, Bad Day, demonstrates a renewed passion for the craft, albeit with a new perspective.

In recent interviews, Diaz has been clear that she reserves the right to "say no" to movies again, indicating a selective approach to her career. This selectivity suggests that the projects she chooses—namely these two action-comedies—are ones she genuinely believes in, promising high-quality, entertaining content for her loyal fanbase and new audiences alike. Her choice of the action-comedy genre for both films signals a return to the roles that made her a global superstar, focusing on fun, high-energy, and charismatic performances.