Jamie Foxx's 'Fight for '84' Just Added 11 New Stars!

Get ready for an emotional knockout! Netflix's upcoming sports drama Fight For '84, starring Jamie Foxx, just rounded out its impressive cast, bringing us one step closer to an inspiring, true-story film.

TL;DR

• Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx leads Fight for '84 as a coach tasked with rebuilding the U.S. Olympic Boxing team after a tragic 1980 plane crash.
• Eleven new cast members, including Shea Whigham and Will Chase, have joined the film, which is currently shooting in New Jersey.
• Directed by Andrés Baiz (known for Narcos, Griselda), the movie promises a deeply human story of second chances and triumph.

Get Ready to Rumble: Jamie Foxx's Inspiring New Netflix Film

If you're a fan of underdog stories, emotional biopics, or just incredible acting, then you're going to want to pay attention to this! Netflix is currently in production on Fight for '84, a sports drama that's already sounding like a must-watch. And the biggest news? They've just beefed up the already stellar cast, adding 11 new faces to join the Oscar-winning Jamie Foxx.

Foxx, who's had a pretty fruitful partnership with the streamer lately (hello, Back in Action and They Cloned Tyrone!), is set to headline this powerful film. It's a story rooted in tragedy but aims for ultimate triumph, and honestly, we're already feeling the feels just thinking about it.

The Heartbreaking True Story Behind 'Fight for '84'

So, what's Fight for '84 all about? The movie takes us back to a devastating event in 1980. The U.S. Olympic Boxing Team was tragically killed in a plane crash. Imagine that loss, that void. The film picks up in the aftermath, with Jamie Foxx stepping into the shoes of a new coach who's brought in to do the seemingly impossible: rebuild the entire team from scratch.

His mission? To lead this new squad to victory at the 1984 Olympics. And for those who know their Olympic history, the 1984 U.S. Boxing Team went on to win the most medals in Olympic boxing history. Talk about a comeback! This narrative, inspired by the real-life LOT Polish Airlines crash in March 1980 that claimed the lives of 14 boxers and eight staff members, promises to be incredibly moving. It’s important to note that while inspired by true events, Foxx's character portrays a different coach than the real-life Pat Nappi who guided the teams during that era.

Meet the New Team: An Ensemble Cast Ready to Deliver

Beyond Jamie Foxx, the film has assembled a truly exciting ensemble. Malachi Beasley was previously announced, and now, we've got a whole new roster of talent joining the ring. It’s a mix of familiar faces from popular shows and films, plus some rising stars ready to make their mark.

The 11 newly announced cast members are:

• Shea Whigham (known from American Primeval, Boardwalk Empire)
• Dan Perrault (from The Residence, American Vandal)
• Will Chase (seen in Dopesick, Stranger Things)
• Algee Smith (a standout in Euphoria, Detroit)
• Jamir Cope
• Mitchell Edwards (from All American: Homecoming, The First Purge)
• Al-Shabazz Jabateh (seen in Bel-Air, Grotesquerie)
• Tre McBride
• Xavier Mills (from Forever, Chad Powers)
• Adrian Martinez (recognized from Unfrosted, Crutch)
• Javier Bolaños (from Casa Grande)

This diverse cast, featuring both seasoned actors and promising newcomers, suggests a dynamic and compelling portrayal of the rebuilt boxing team.

Behind the Vision: The Creative Minds Driving This Drama

Bringing this powerful story to life is Colombian filmmaker Andrés Baiz, whose name you might recognize from critically acclaimed Netflix hits like Griselda and Narcos. His track record for crafting intense, character-driven narratives makes him a fantastic choice for a project of this emotional depth.

Baiz isn't just directing; he's clearly passionate about the core message of the film. He shared his excitement about the project:

"What excites me about Fight for '84 is how deeply human it is. It's a story about second chances, about rebuilding after loss, and about finding strength through connection. This isn't about fame or glory — it's about heart, discipline, and purpose. In a time when so many of us are trying to find meaning again, this story feels more relevant than ever."

— Andrés Baiz, Director of Fight for '84

He also praised his leading man: "Teaming up with Jamie Foxx is incredibly exciting. He’s an exceptional actor with unmatched range and brings realness and depth you can’t fake. As a 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 script for Fight for '84 comes from a talented trio: Oscar nominees Andrea Berloff and John Gatins, alongside Andy Weiss. Producing the film are Eric Newman for Grand Electric, Bryan Unkeless for Night Owl, Jamie Foxx himself, and Michael W. Abbott for A Move Films Production. Andy Weiss, Henry Tillman, and Datari Turner are serving as executive producers.

Jamie Foxx's Legacy in Sports Dramas and Netflix Collaborations

This isn't Jamie Foxx's first rodeo when it comes to sports dramas, or even biopics. He famously delivered a memorable performance as quarterback Willie "Steamin" Beamen in Oliver Stone's 1999 football film Any Given Sunday. And who could forget his incredible portrayal of Drew Bundini Brown in Michael Mann's 2001 boxing classic Ali? The man clearly knows how to bring authenticity to athletic roles.

Beyond his acting chops, Foxx has built a strong relationship with Netflix. We've seen him in action flicks like Day Shift, the critically acclaimed sci-fi mystery They Cloned Tyrone, and the recent hit Back in Action. He also dropped his comedy special, What Had Happened Was... on the platform earlier this year, where he openly discussed his 2023 medical emergency, a brain bleed that led to a stroke.

His versatility is undeniable. While he's a comedic genius, his Academy Award for Ray proves he can dive deep into dramatic roles with profound success. Combining his experience, his passion, and this incredible true story, Fight for '84 looks set to be another standout performance from Foxx.

Where and When Can You Watch 'Fight for '84'?

Good news for those eagerly awaiting this film: production is currently underway in New Jersey! This means cameras are rolling, and the magic is being made.

As for a release date, Netflix hasn't announced an official window just yet. However, given it's currently in production, many are hoping it will land on the streaming service sometime in the 2026 movie schedule. We'll be keeping a close eye out for any official announcements and trailers!

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Fight for '84' When will Fight for '84 be released on Netflix? An official release date hasn't been announced yet, but it's currently in production. Many are hopeful for a 2026 release. Is Fight for '84 based on a true story? Yes, the film is inspired by the tragic 1980 plane crash that killed the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team and the subsequent rebuilding of the team for the 1984 Olympics. Who is directing Fight for '84? The film is being directed by Andrés Baiz, known for his work on Netflix series like Narcos and Griselda. Who are the main stars of Fight for '84? Jamie Foxx stars as the new coach, alongside Malachi Beasley and newly announced cast members including Shea Whigham, Dan Perrault, and Will Chase. Sources

• Deadline Film + TV (Matt Grobar) - "Netflix’s Jamie Foxx Sports Drama ‘Fight For ’84’ Adds 11 To Cast"
• Tudum - Netflix (Ariana Romero) - "'Fight for '84' Cast: New Stars of Jamie Foxx Boxing Movie Announced"
• The Humor Mill - "The New Jamie Foxx Film Titled ‘The Fight For ‘84’ Adds 11 To The Cast"
• The Mirror US (Katie Palmer, Myriam Toua) - "Netflix reveals star studded cast list for 'tragic' new drama based on a true story"