Jamie Foxx is lacing up for one of his most emotionally charged roles yet in ‘Fight For ’84‘, a new Netflix sports drama announced during the streaming giant’s Upfront presentation in New York. The film, inspired by real events, centers on a coach’s mission to rebuild the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the wake of a devastating tragedy.
Directed by Narcos and The Hidden Face filmmaker Andrés Baiz, the film reimagines the aftermath of the 1980 plane crash that claimed the lives of the U.S. Olympic boxing team. Foxx stars as a passionate and relentless coach brought in to lead a fresh group of young fighters, rebuilding the team from the ground up with the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics looming.
What follows is a powerful story of perseverance, national healing, and second chances. As the new team rises from the ashes of tragedy, they go on to deliver a historic performance—bringing home a record-breaking medal haul and restoring a sense of pride to a grieving nation.
The screenplay comes from an all-star writing team: Oscar-nominated Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton), John Gatins (Flight), and Andy Weiss. Production duties are handled by Eric Newman (Narcos, Painkiller) for Grand Electric, Bryan Unkeless for Night Owl, and Foxx himself under his A Move Films banner. Michael W. Abbott also produces, with executive producers including Weiss, Henry Tillman, and Datari Turner.
Fight For ’84 marks a significant return to dramatic storytelling for Foxx, who earned an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in Ray and critical acclaim in Ali. The film also deepens his growing collaboration with Netflix, following recent appearances in the action-comedy Back In Action alongside Cameron Diaz, and his stand-up special What Had Happened Was….
Blending historical fact with dramatic fiction, Fight For ’84 explores universal themes of grief, determination, and legacy. With Foxx at the helm, the film promises a raw, authentic portrayal of how sport can uplift a nation—and the emotional price of chasing greatness after loss.
