Picture Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe / NorthJersey.com (IMDb)
Jamie Foxx’s sixth major project for Netflix, Fight for ’84, has officially wrapped production and received a PG-13 rating for sports violence and some strong language. Foxx plays Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders of the US Marines, who is entrusted with last-minute training a boxing team capable of competing for gold at the 1984 Olympics after a devastating tragedy. Newcomer Malachi Beasley stars alongside Foxx. Here’s everything we know so far about Fight for ’84 (listed as The War of 84 on one of the production companies website) on Netflix.
Fight for ’84 is an upcoming Netflix Original sports drama film directed by Andrés Baiz (Griselda, Narcos) from a screenplay written by Andrea Berloff, John Gatins, and Andy Weiss. Behind the camera, the film boasts a stellar creative team including Emmy-winning composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (The Queen’s Gambit), cinematographer Armando Salas (Wonder Man), and casting director Rachel Tenner (Fargo).
The director shared the following statements 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.
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 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.”
Eric Newman is producing for Grand Electric, and Bryan Unkeless for Night Owl. Jamie Foxx stars and produced alongside Michael W. Abbott for A Move Film Productions. The executive producers for the film include Andy Weiss for A Webros Entertainment Production, as well as Henry Tillman and Datari Turner. Netflix first announced the project during the 2025 Upfront presentation in New York City.
What is the plot of Fight for ’84?
The synopsis for the film reads:
“Nearly four years after the tragic plane crash that took the lives of the U.S. boxing team, pressure is mounting on those expected to fill their shoes and bring home medals. With Coach Pat Nappi returning as the face of the operation, officials turn to Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders to assemble and train a team worthy of Olympic gold — with only 11 months to prepare. Sanders earns the respect of a group of underdogs as he trains them to work together as a team, and defy the odds to become the greatest in the world.”
As the film gears up for release, it has officially been given a PG-13 age rating for “sports violence and some strong language.”
Who is in the cast of Fight for ’84?
Jamie Foxx was the first cast member announced for the film. He plays the role of Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders. Foxx is no stranger to Netflix, having frequently collaborated with the streaming service over the past several years on projects such as Project Power, Day Shift, Dad Stop Embarrassing Me, They Cloned Tyrone, and Back in Action, which have since become part of Netflix’s list of most-watched titles.
Also leading the cast is newcomer Malachi Beasley. Beasley’s career is off to a strong start, having been cast in both Fight for ’84 and Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming Netflix thriller, A House of Dynamite.
Netflix later added a slew of notable names to the ensemble cast, including:
- Amanda Warren (The Burial) as Annie
- Shea Whigham (American Primeval, Boardwalk Empire)
- Kevin Reed as Luigi Quacci
- Dan Perrault (The Residence, American Vandal)
- Will Chase (Dopesick, Stranger Things)
- Algee Smith (Euphoria, Detroit)
- Laith Wallschleger
- Mitchell Edwards (All American: Homecoming)
- Al-Shabazz Jabateh (Bel-Air)
- Xavier Mills (Forever)
- Adrian Martinez (Unfrosted)
- Javier Bolaños (Casa Grande)
- Jamir Cope
- Tre McBride
Adding some authentic boxing pedigree to the film, former professional boxer Paulie Malignaggi will appear as a referee (“Ref 5”), and legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson is also listed in the cast (with production notes even referencing background actors for a “Mike Tyson fight”).
Picture Credits: Netflix
What is the production status of Fight for ’84?
Filming originally began on September 29, 2025, and successfully wrapped in early December 2025. As of July 2026, the film is officially listed as “Completed” on IMDbPro. Eric Newman originally posted on Instagram that filming had begun, writing, “DAY 1, FIGHT FOR ‘84, NEW JERSEY FALL 2025,” alongside Netflix sharing a first behind-the-scenes look from the production with Jamie Foxx in a beige jacket.
To recreate the gritty realism and authentic 1980s aesthetic, the production shot extensively in the New Jersey and New York City areas. New Jersey became a major hub for the film, with sets located in Newark and Wayne, where William Paterson University was used for some of the Olympic setups. The production also shot scenes at the now-closed Passaic High School in Passaic, NJ. In East Rutherford, the popular local ice cream shop Cake & Cone was temporarily shut down and dressed to look like a retro 1984 burger joint to film street scenes featuring Foxx and Beasley. Filming had wrapped by mid-December 2025.
Picture Credits: Eric Newman / Netflix
Picture Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com (IMDb)
When is the Fight for ’84 Netflix release date?
At the time of writing, Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Fight for ’84. However, considering production is fully completed and it has received an official PG-13 rating, a release before the end of 2026 is highly likely, with late 2026 or early 2027 being the most realistic windows.
Are you looking forward to watching Fight for ’84 on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
