Director Seth Gordon recently shared exciting insights with ComingSoon about the highly anticipated Netflix film Back in Action, featuring popular stars Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. He delved into the thrilling opening plane scene, discussed potential spin-off ideas, and offered a glimpse into the film’s creative process. As of now, this action-packed comedy is available for streaming, ready to entertain audiences with its unique blend of humor and heart.

The film?s logline reveals an intriguing plot: ?Years after leaving their lives as CIA spies behind to embrace family life, Emily and Matt are unexpectedly drawn back into the dangerous world of espionage when their true identities are exposed.? This storyline sets the stage for a gripping adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Tyler Treese: The film kicks off with an exhilarating opening scene aboard a plane. How crucial was it to nail that execution, as it effectively captures the audience’s attention right from the start?

Seth Gordon: I truly appreciate your kind words. It?s fascinating to think back on the studio?s feedback from a year ago, which almost led to that scene being cut entirely! Crafting that sequence involved extensive visual effects work, which made it a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Initially, we envisioned a thrilling train scene set in Italy, but just two weeks before filming, the studio advised us to explore different options. This sudden shift led to a night of brainstorming, where I was determined to create an engaging scene that would captivate viewers. I?m thrilled to hear that it resonated with you as intended, especially after establishing the characters’ connection and their impending parenthood before thrusting them into such a chaotic scenario.

Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz have collaborated on two previous films, already establishing a strong chemistry. How beneficial is it to have that dynamic in place, allowing you to focus on their performances without worrying about their interactions?

The chemistry between them is incredibly significant. It saves us from starting from scratch, allowing their authentic friendship to shine through in their performances. In their earlier collaborations, they didn?t have the opportunity to explore the camaraderie we see in this film, especially since they played adversaries in Any Given Sunday. Here, we get to showcase a different facet of their relationship, one filled with genuine connection and joy. Each day on set was a delightful experience, as I adjusted scenes to allow them the freedom to play off each other. Much of the film features action sequences, but the moments where they can improvise and vibe together create a unique magic that?s rare to find. Their long-standing friendship definitely contributes to this special chemistry.

While the film boasts numerous impressive set pieces, the true joy lies in watching Foxx and Diaz together. Jamie’s comedic talent is undeniable; he seems to have a unique ability to make any line funny. Can you elaborate on his comedic genius?

Jamie Foxx is nothing short of a comedic genius. His musical background plays a significant role in his sense of timing and mimicry, which contributes to his extraordinary comedic ability. I often find myself in awe of his talent, especially when he effortlessly delivers lines in a way that makes them hilarious. For instance, during a kitchen scene, he spontaneously incorporated Russian phrases based on a cue I gave him off-camera, turning a simple moment into something comedic and memorable. His unique touch and ability to elevate any dialogue make working with him an incredible experience. It truly is genius at work, and I feel fortunate to witness it firsthand.

The film features a stellar ensemble cast, but one character who stands out is Nigel, portrayed by Jamie Demetriou. His comedic timing is impeccable. How was it to include him in the film?

Interestingly, Nigel has become my son?s favorite character, as well as a hit among his friends. His addition to the film was somewhat serendipitous. Initially, we had the character Ginny, inspired by my mother-in-law, but the idea for Nigel struck me like a lightning bolt. He serves as a wild card in the story, similar to a knight in chess, making unexpected moves that add depth to the narrative. I had seen Jamie Demetriou in Fleabag years ago and was impressed by his talent. When I wrote the character of Nigel, I did so without even having met him, and miraculously, he ended up being perfect for the role. His ability to generate ideas and deliver lines at lightning speed brought an additional layer of humor to the film. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had him on board.

He?s fantastic! I would love to see Nigel headlining his own spy movie someday. That would be a blast!

Absolutely! A spin-off featuring Nigel would be an exciting prospect. I can only imagine how entertaining it would be, especially if we could bring Glenn Close into the mix as well. I?d definitely be on board to watch that!

Recently, you directed the first two episodes of The Night Agent, which has quickly become a Netflix sensation. How gratifying was it to launch such a successful project alongside Shawn Ryan?

Working with Shawn Ryan was incredible. He is such a gifted creator, and I was captivated by the spec pilot he wrote before we pitched it to Netflix. I appreciate how Netflix gave us the freedom to cast fresh talent rather than relying solely on established names. This approach proved to be successful, as the cast delivered outstanding performances. I?m eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season, which premieres next week, and I can?t wait for audiences to experience it. It?s an exciting time!

Many thanks to Seth Gordon for sharing his insights and time discussing Back in Action.