Oscar winner Jamie Foxx is back in action with Fight for ’84, his sixth major Netflix project — and arguably one of his most dramatic yet. The film, directed by Narcos and Griselda filmmaker Andrés Baiz, tells the story of Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders, a U.S. Marine tasked with rebuilding the American Olympic boxing team in the wake of a devastating tragedy.
According to Netflix, the story begins in 1980 when the U.S. team is wiped out in a plane crash, shattering the nation’s Olympic dreams. Four years later, with the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics approaching, Sanders is recruited to train a new squad from scratch — a group of young, untested fighters carrying the weight of redemption.
Filming began in September 2025 in New Jersey, with Baiz calling the project “a deeply human story about leadership, loss, and the will to rise again.”
“Teaming up with Jamie Foxx is incredibly exciting,” said Baiz. “He’s an exceptional actor with unmatched range and brings realness and depth you can’t fake. As star and producer, he brings passion and truth to the role. I’m eager to learn from him and, through honest direction, help him tap into something raw and deeply personal.”
The Story: Triumph Born from Tragedy
Fight for ’84 is inspired by the true emotional aftermath of the 1980 U.S. Olympic boycott and other real-world team tragedies. While not a direct biopic, it weaves historical resonance into a fictional story of resilience and national pride.
In the film, Foxx’s character — Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders — is a tough but empathetic Marine, haunted by personal loss and charged with mentoring a team of underdogs. As the new coach of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, he must build a winning squad after the former team perishes in a plane crash on their way to Moscow.
Through intense training, setbacks, and emotional scars, Sanders forges a bond with his fighters that transforms them into a symbol of hope and rebirth for an entire country.
“This isn’t just a boxing movie — it’s about what it takes to rebuild after the worst happens,” said Baiz during a recent Netflix interview. “It’s about mentorship, grief, and the belief that courage can be contagious.”
The Cast: A Mix of Legends and Rising Stars
Netflix officially confirmed the Fight for ’84 cast lineup in mid-October 2025, combining major Hollywood names with promising newcomers.
Here’s the confirmed cast list so far:
| Actor | Role / Notes |
|---|---|
| Jamie Foxx | Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders, U.S. Marines boxing coach |
| Malachi Beasley | Undisclosed role (rising star, also cast in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite) |
| Shea Whigham | Character TBA — known for Boardwalk Empire and American Primeval |
| Dan Perrault | Supporting role — co-creator of American Vandal |
| Will Chase | Role TBA — appeared in Stranger Things and Dopesick |
| Algee Smith | Role TBA — known for Euphoria and Detroit |
| Jamir Cope | Supporting role |
| Mitchell Edwards | (All American: Homecoming) — boxer or team member |
| Al-Shabazz Jabateh | (Bel-Air) — boxer |
| Tre McBride | Role TBA |
| Xavier Mills | (Forever, Chad Powers) — supporting cast |
| Adrian Martinez | (Unfrosted) — comic relief/trainer |
| Javier Bolaños | (Casa Grande) — supporting role |
Netflix shared the first on-set photo on October 14, 2025, showing Foxx in a beige Marine jacket at a New Jersey gym surrounded by extras and training gear — signalling that filming is well underway.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
Fight for ’84 brings together a powerhouse creative lineup under Netflix’s expanding sports-drama umbrella.
| Crew Member | Role | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Andrés Baiz | Director | Narcos, Griselda, The Hidden Face |
| Eric Newman | Producer | Painkiller, Narcos, Project Power |
| Jamie Foxx | Lead Actor & Producer | Ray, They Cloned Tyrone, Day Shift |
| Alloy Entertainment | Studio Partner | You, Pretty Little Liars |
| Netflix Studios | Distributor | Exclusive streaming release |
Baiz, known for his cinematic realism and intensity, said his goal is to merge authentic boxing sequences with the emotional resonance of films like Creed and Remember the Titans.
Jamie Foxx and Netflix: A Longstanding Partnership
Fight for ’84 marks Jamie Foxx’s sixth major Netflix collaboration in just a few years. His previous hits include:
- Project Power (2020) – Sci-fi thriller about temporary superpowers.
- Day Shift (2022) – Action-horror about vampire hunters in Los Angeles.
- Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! (2021) – Sitcom inspired by Foxx’s relationship with his daughter.
- They Cloned Tyrone (2023) – Critically acclaimed sci-fi satire.
- Back in Action (2025) – Upcoming action comedy with Cameron Diaz.
Netflix executives have called Foxx “a cornerstone of the streamer’s talent ecosystem,” often blending blockbuster entertainment with emotional storytelling.
Production Timeline and Filming Locations
- Filming Start Date: September 29, 2025
- Filming End Date (Estimated): December 2, 2025
- Primary Location: New Jersey, USA
- Director’s Note: “Day 1, Fight for ’84, New Jersey Fall 2025,” Eric Newman posted on Instagram.
Scenes are reportedly being filmed across Newark, Atlantic City, and Paterson, with gym-based sequences inspired by real 1980s U.S. Marine training facilities. Production insiders revealed that vintage boxing equipment, flags, and 1984 Olympic signage are being meticulously recreated for period accuracy.
When Will Fight for ’84 Be Released on Netflix?
As of October 2025, Netflix has not confirmed an official release date.
However, based on the current production schedule, here’s what the timeline looks like:
| Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Filming | Sept–Dec 2025 |
| Post-Production & Editing | Jan–Sept 2026 |
| Marketing & Festival Circuit | Fall 2026 |
| Expected Netflix Release | Early-to-Mid 2027 (Likely Q2) |
While there’s a small chance of a late-2026 debut, insiders consider that “unlikely,” given Baiz’s cinematic direction and extended post-production workflow for large-scale sports sequences.
Themes and Tone: More Than a Boxing Story
Fight for ’84 isn’t a simple sports movie — it’s a story about grit, leadership, and national unity after loss. Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era tensions, it reflects the emotional resilience of the U.S. Olympic community and the unifying spirit of the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Expect a blend of:
- Intense boxing choreography (shot using handheld realism and long takes).
- Mentor-student dynamics between Foxx’s Sanders and his fighters.
- Cultural undercurrents exploring race, class, and patriotism in 1980s America.
- A soaring original score evoking 1980s sports cinema energy.
Critics are already comparing it conceptually to films like Million Dollar Baby and Remember the Titans — emotionally charged stories of personal redemption framed through sports.
What to Expect from Jamie Foxx’s Performance?
Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders is expected to anchor the film with his trademark charisma and emotional depth.
Foxx, who has publicly discussed the physical and mental challenges of embodying Sanders, reportedly underwent boxing and military training for authenticity.
A production insider shared:
“Foxx approached this role like a Marine — 4 a.m. workouts, full immersion in drill routines, even voice coaching to nail the cadence of a U.S. military instructor. He’s not just acting the part; he’s living it.”
Given Foxx’s track record — from Ray (which earned him an Oscar) to They Cloned Tyrone (which earned critical raves) — industry watchers believe Fight for ’84 could be one of his most personal and grounded performances yet.
Potential Awards Buzz
While still early in production, Netflix insiders already see Fight for ’84 as a prime awards contender in the sports-drama category for 2027.
The film’s combination of:
- Oscar-winning lead actor (Foxx)
- Prestige director (Baiz)
- True-story emotional undertones
gives it the makings of a festival circuit favorite.
If successful, Fight for ’84 could join Netflix’s tradition of high-impact prestige dramas like The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Rustin.
Final Take
With Fight for ’84, Jamie Foxx returns not as a comedian or action star — but as a leader, mentor, and symbol of endurance.
Backed by Netflix’s global platform and the cinematic eye of Andrés Baiz, the film is shaping up to be a moving blend of sports, sacrifice, and second chances.
Expect boxing gloves, heartbreak, and a comeback story worthy of Olympic gold.
FAQs
1. What is Fight for ’84 about?
It follows a U.S. Marine boxing coach, played by Jamie Foxx, who rebuilds the American Olympic boxing team after the previous squad dies in a plane crash before the 1980 Olympics.
2. Who directs Fight for ’84?
The film is directed by Andrés Baiz, known for Narcos and Griselda.
3. Who stars in the film?
Alongside Jamie Foxx, the cast includes Malachi Beasley, Shea Whigham, Will Chase, Algee Smith, and Dan Perrault among others.
4. Where is the movie being filmed?
Filming began in New Jersey in September 2025 and runs through early December 2025.
5. When will Fight for ’84 be released on Netflix?
It’s expected to release in 2027, following post-production and festival screenings in 2026.
6. Is the film based on a true story?
It’s inspired by real historical events surrounding the 1980 Olympic team tragedy and U.S. boycott but features fictionalized characters and storylines.
