Netflix unveils new cast list for movie based on true story | Films | Entertainment
Netflix has just revealed an updated cast roster for an upcoming drama centring on a newly-appointed coach of the US Olympic Boxing team.
Drawing from a devastating true story, the film features Jamie Foxx stepping into the role of the coach following the original team’s tragic deaths in a plane crash in 1980.
Foxx’s character faces the daunting task of rebuilding the squad entirely from the ground up in the film, entitled Fight for ’84, directed by Narcos helmer Andrés Baiz.
Filming is currently taking place in New Jersey and several freshly announced co-stars have been revealed.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments for the forthcoming film.
Netflix has confirmed A House of Dynamite’s Malachi Beasley is joining the production, alongside American Primeval’s Shea Whigham.
Stranger Things actor Will Chase has also been added to the ensemble, together with The Residence performer Dan Perrault.
The additional new cast members include:
Algee Smith (Euphoria, Detroit)
Jamir Cope
Mitchell Edwards (All American: Homecoming, The First Purge)
Al-Shabazz Jabateh (Bel-Air, Grotesquerie)
Tre McBride
Xavier Mills (Forever, Chad Powers)
Adrian Martinez (Unfrosted, Crutch)
Javier Bolaños (Casa Grande, Casa Grande: The Movie)
Baiz revealed to Tudum: “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.”
The film draws inspiration from the tragic LOT Polish Airlines crash in March 1980 which claimed the lives of 14 boxers and eight staff members from the US Olympic Boxing team, whilst travelling to Warsaw for a competition.
In reality, the squad was guided by Pat Nappi during 1976, 1980 and 1984, however Foxx will portray a different member of the coaching team.
Fight for 84 will air on Netflix