Netflix has officially announced it has kicked off production on Fight for ’84, a powerful new sports drama starring Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx alongside Malachi Beasley. Filming begins this September in New Jersey and is scheduled to run through December 2025, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated boxing films of the decade.
The Real Story
At its core, Fight for ’84 is more than just another boxing movie. It is inspired by true events that reshaped the course of American boxing history.
In 1980, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of the U.S. Olympic boxing team, leaving the sport devastated. The film picks up in the aftermath, following the emotional and physical journey of rebuilding a new squad that would go on to compete in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Foxx steps into the role of Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders, the man tasked with training, guiding, and motivating a group of young athletes as they chase redemption inside and outside the ring. Themes of loss, second chances, teamwork, and triumph are woven into the film’s narrative.
Jamie Foxx as LeadActor
Jamie Foxx is no stranger to sports drama. Having portrayed real-life legends like Ray Charles (for which he won an Oscar), Foxx brings depth to every character. In Fight for ’84, he plays Sanders, a leader who must balance discipline with compassion while shaping a broken team into champions.
Alongside him is Malachi Beasley, best known for his breakout roles in indie drama and television joins this cast. While details of Beasley’s character remain under wraps, his presence opposite Foxx signals Netflix’s commitment to blending seasoned talent with rising stars.
The Production Team
Netflix has assembled a heavyweight team for Fight for ’84:
- Director: Andrés Baiz (Narcos, Griselda)
- Writers: Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton), John Gatins (Flight), Andy Weiss (White Boy Rick)
- Producers: Eric Newman (Grand Electric), Bryan Unkeless (Night Owl), Michael W. Abbott, Henry Tillman, Datari Turne
- Executive Producers: Jamie Foxx and Andy Weiss
Filming in New Jersey: The ’80s Atmosphere
The production has transformed parts of New Jersey into 1980s America. From authentic gyms to period street scenes, the filmmakers are committed to immersing viewers in the look and feel of the era.
Extras casting calls in the New York–New Jersey area have been buzzing, particularly for boxing spectators, gym trainees, and background roles that bring the Olympic journey to life.
Filming runs through December 2025, with Netflix aiming for a release window in either late 2026 or 2027 (official date still unconfirmed).
Boxing films have long carried cultural weight, from Raging Bull to Creed. But Fight for ’84 stands apart because it’s rooted in real-life resilience.