8 Actors Who Could Play Cameron Diaz’s Dad in ‘Back in Action 2’

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At the moment, nothing is definitive, but given the intriguing hint dropped during the final scene of “Back in Action,” there seems to be a strong possibility for a sequel. This suggestion is bolstered by the teaser at the end. Skipping over speculations about the upcoming installment of the Netflix hit, I’d like to discuss who might be suitable to portray Cameron Diaz’s on-screen father. You may recall that his character was hinted at before the credits concluded.

Based on the insights about Diaz’s character from the film, the role played by Glenn Close, and decades of watching action and spy movies, here are my top suggestions for the potential cast in the hypothetical Back in Action 2, should Netflix decide to produce a sequel in 2025. Here are my top picks:

1. For the protagonist role, I believe Diaz would be perfect to reprise her character. Her charisma and action skills would undoubtedly bring excitement to the screen.
2. Glenn Close could also return as a formidable antagonist or a mysterious ally with hidden motives, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline.
3. To round out the cast, I think it would be interesting to see a mix of both new and familiar faces from other action franchises, such as Jason Statham, Charlize Theron, or even Lupita Nyong’o, who could bring fresh energy while still maintaining the high-quality standard set by the original.

Gary Oldman

Among all potential candidates, Gary Oldman appears to be the most apparent pick for the role of Emily’s father in “Back in Action 2“. However, just because he seems like the best choice doesn’t make him a poor option. With an extensive background in espionage roles, such as his stellar performance in Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses“, and his undervalued portrayal in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy“, Oldman possesses the skill to harmoniously blend humor, drama, and action. Given his Academy Award-winning talent, he would undoubtedly excel in this role.

I’m envisioning a scenario where Oldman’s character reunites with Emily after many years have passed, creating an intriguing moment. Additionally, I can imagine the complexity of Matt encountering a father-in-law he was previously unaware of. To make things even more interesting, how about these two characters embarking on an exciting journey together? This prospect brings me joy.

Michael Douglas

In the movie Back in Action, although Emily’s mother, Ginny Curtis played by Glenn Close, is portrayed as British, there’s no indication whether her father is of British or American descent. This ambiguity opens up various scenarios. One actor I find intriguing for the role of a potential long-lost father could be Michael Douglas. His character would undoubtedly add depth to the story as an American father who has likely accumulated more secrets and surprises over the years than there are years he’s been away from his daughter.

Instead of insisting that Back in Action 2 must follow as a “what if” continuation of Fatal Attraction with their characters having a daughter, I’d love to imagine a scenario where Michael Douglas and Glenn Close appear together on screen once more.

Pierce Brosnan

In simpler terms, Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond employed some over-the-top devices during his time as cinema’s iconic secret agent, and many of us have been eagerly anticipating his return to the world of espionage for more than two decades. I would be thrilled if Brosnan appeared as Emily’s father in a potential “Back in Action” sequel, as there are countless directions a spy comedy could take off from that point.

Picture this… In an alternate universe, the sequel to “Back in Action” is titled “Dads in Action 2”. In this movie, Pierce Brosnan and Jamie Foxx’s character Matt would find themselves working together to rescue Emily and/or their children. It’s quite amusing to envision a retired spy, even one loosely based on 007, embracing the role of a grandfather. While it might remain just a fantasy, I can certainly dream about making it a reality!

Kevin Kline

In the film “The Big Chill“, Kevin Kline and Glenn Close delivered outstanding performances together. Although a sequel to “Back in Action” might not be the most ideal platform for their reunion after more than four decades, it could still provide plenty of amusement, though perhaps with a touch of absurdity. Kevin Kline is an actor who excels in a variety of roles, even when a film isn’t particularly good, like “Wild Wild West“. Regardless of the project, he seems to enjoy himself immensely.

After seeing Kline’s performance in “Disclaimer”, one of my favorite TV thrillers from 2024, I believe he has the ability to convincingly adopt a British accent if necessary for a character similar to Emily’s mother; they could also amplify his drama and insanity, much like his on-screen persona.

Kurt Russell

Among Kurt Russell’s numerous memorable characters from his extensive acting career, I believe he would fit perfectly in an amusing spy-action comedy like “Back in Action”. Should a sequel ever materialize, it would certainly be thrilling to witness the actor who breathed life into Snake Plisken and R.J. MacReady portraying a secret agent who has been engaging in all sorts of mysterious activities over the past three decades.

Russell is one of my preferred choices for the role of Emily’s father due to his talent in action scenes, excellent comedic delivery, and irresistible charisma. I’m excited at the prospect of him engaging in witty banter with Cameron Diaz, flirting with Glenn Close’s character Ginny, or having uncomfortable discussions with Nigel (Jamie Demetriou) about who truly deserves the title of “granddad.”

This version maintains the original meaning while using more accessible language that is easier for readers to understand.

Michael Keaton

If Michael Keaton, the ex-Batman actor, were to join Back in Action 2 (or perhaps Bat in Action? No takers?), we could certainly extend our collection of his memorable quotes. His versatile acting style and enigmatic charm are not common these days, and he has consistently demonstrated the ability to be utterly unpredictable when the situation calls for it. Such a vibrant energy would undeniably suit a film like this perfectly.

Demonstrating comedic charm and endearment even while portraying slightly mischievous and snobbish characters, Keaton’s range fits perfectly with the existing character dynamics.

Antonio Banderas

I’m not solely suggesting Antonio Banderas due to my desire for a Shrek reunion with Cameron Diaz, but it’s definitely part of the reason. The idea of having Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots bring their chemistry to a live-action movie before Shrek 5 comes out sounds hilarious, and I believe they could make an amusing father-daughter duo.

Antonio Banderas, known for his exceptional performances across various genres, including action films, comedies, dramas, thrillers, and even musicals, could bring an abundance of humor to the cast of the Netflix movie by introducing a fresh, laugh-out-loud character.

Jonathan Pryce

Apart from Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce is another skilled actor who can hold his ground in shared scenes, as demonstrated in “The Wife.” Similar to Gary Oldman, Pryce has a background in the espionage genre, with his latest work being “Slow Horses.” If he could inject some humor into his performance, it could be quite amusing. However, considering him as the straight man amidst the comedic mix might yield an even greater laugh factor.

No matter which path the character chose, it could be said that Back in Action 2 would significantly improve if a performer like Pryce were included in the cast.

When can we anticipate the release of the next Back in Action film, and who might take on the role of Cameron Diaz’s on-screen father? As we patiently wait, there are numerous fantastic films from 2025 available for streaming on Netflix for those with a subscription, with even more to come.

Stream Back in Action on Netflix.

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2025-01-29 00:08