Director Explains How Back In Action’s Cliffhanger Ending Sets the Stage for a Sequel

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for the new Netflix action movie Back In Action! Seth Gordon, the director behind Netflix’s latest spy thriller, Back In Action, has hinted at intriguing possibilities for a sequel stemming from its cliffhanger conclusion. Released for global streaming on January 17, this action-packed film reunites the dynamic duo of Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. The plot revolves around two ex-CIA agents who find their family’s safety compromised, with veteran actress Glenn Close portraying Diaz’s estranged mother, a former MI-6 operative. The film culminates with Diaz’s character being charged with the task of locating her enigmatic father, raising questions about his backstory and potential impact in future installments.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gordon elaborated on the film’s ending and hinted at a possible continuation of the story. He revealed that while there is “certainly an idea” regarding the father’s identity and narrative direction, Netflix has yet to confirm any sequel plans. He noted:

There’s certainly an idea about who the dad could be and what the whole story could be about. [Netflix] won’t even acknowledge the idea of a sequel yet! So if you put in a good word, maybe there’s a chance.

As for the narrative arc of a potential Back in Action 2, Gordon is keen to delve deeper into the challenges faced by Diaz’s and Foxx’s teenage children as their lives begin to intertwine with their parents’ espionage past. He suggested that any follow-up film would feature both teenagers at a more advanced stage in their education, admitting that Rylan Jackson, who portrays their son Leo, has notably grown since filming the first movie:

What I’m leaning towards is there’s these moments where family comes in, and the events of a teenager’s life come in conflict with someone’s background as a spy. I feel like there’s a few opportunities or landmarks that we can build on from their lives.

I’ll tell you that Leo, who is based on my son, in the course of [filming], he’s now nine or 10 inches taller than he was. His voice has dropped, so it wouldn’t be picking up the next day. I think we would honor the truth of the timeline of their lives and show another event, sort of later in high school, for both of them. But I tried to [weave] in the first one that Leo shows these moments of promise [and] ability.

Regarding potential casting for Diaz’s father, Gordon indicated that this character would also likely possess an espionage background, hinting that a British actor could be fitting for the role. He explained:

I think you got to believe that she met him somewhere through work. It wouldn’t be bad if he were also British. You’d have to believe that guy holding a gun. So there are certain people that you could consider for that part. We’ve definitely got some creative thoughts.

Insights from Gordon’s Remarks on Potential Casting for Back In Action 2

Only One British Spy Fits the Bill for Emily’s Father

Although the finale of Back In Action shows Diaz and Foxx returning to their peaceful suburban lives, their past experiences continue to cast a shadow. Notably, Andrew Scott’s MI-6 character instructs Diaz’s Emily to locate her father while hinting at the possibility that the film’s antagonist has not been fully vanquished. This sets the stage for Emily’s father to play a critical role in any forthcoming sequel, likely connected to the intricate world of espionage.

Gordon’s notion of a former British spy suggests several prominent names within this cinematic trope, potentially spotlighting actors who have previously donned the iconic James Bond mantle, such as Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan.

Our Perspective on the Inclusion of a Former Bond in Back In Action 2

Gordon Has a Wealth of Options from Bond Villains

Emily and her allies by the Thames in Back In Action

While there are numerous fictional British spies across diverse media, none quite match the recognition of 007. Integrating elements from this legendary spy lore could enhance the storytelling of Gordon’s growing franchise. While Dalton and Brosnan are both excellent choices for the role of Emily’s father, the pool of previous Bond villains, including Sean Bean from GoldenEye, presents an intriguing alternate selection for the sequel, providing ample opportunities for engaging character development.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Learn more from the Source & Images.