Where was Back in Action filmed? Major shooting locations explored
Back in Action premiered on Netflix on January 17, 2025, running 1 hour and 54 minutes. Directed by Seth Gordon, the screenplay was written by Gordon along with Brendan O'Brien. Good One Productions, Chernin Entertainment, and Exhibit A developed and produced this project.
Per Radio Times, two major locations where the movie was shot were: London, England, and Atlanta, Georgia. Principal photography began in December 2022 in London, where the crew made use of various city streets, neighbourhoods, and iconic landmarks, including scenes filmed along the River Thames.
The production later moved to Atlanta in March 2023 and wrapped up in late April. The star-studded cast for the movie Back in Action includes Cameron Diaz as Emily Tanner and Jamie Foxx as Matt Tanner, supported by Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, Glenn Close, McKenna Roberts, and Rylan Jackson.
Back in Action was majorly shot in the United Kingdom and the United States
1) London, England, UK
The first part of Back in Action was shot in London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom. Principal filming began with a three-month schedule in which the production used different streets and neighbourhoods within the city for some of their major scenes.
The latter part of the shoot was done in February 2023, where Cameron Diaz was seen along the River Thames, filming a speedboat sequence. Viewers can get a glimpse of famous landmarks in the background of many sequences of the film—Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Palace of Westminster.
One of the main places was the Tate Modern art museum, used as a location for an action sequence that became the core of the film's plot. Fans can get to see the southeastern tip of England, London, exuding its history, diversified culture, and iconic architecture. The River Thames, cutting through the city, played an integral part in Back in Action.
During an interview released on January 17,2025, director Seth Gordon told Radio Times:
"Architecture is my degree, and the Tate Modern is a place I studied before I got the chance to visit it. Every time I came to London, it was a bit of a pilgrimage."
Back in Action sequences were also shot in Waddesdon Manor, a place in Buckinghamshire, England. This 19th-century French Renaissance château-style mansion was built from 1874 to 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, featuring sumptuous rooms, staircases, and vast gardens.
2) Atlanta, Georgia, United States
The second phase of Back in Action was filmed in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia and the seat of Fulton County. The production team arrived in March 2023 after completing the London shoot, with filming continuing through late April.
Atlanta’s urban environment and modern architecture provided suitable backdrops for key action scenes, including sequences that made use of the city’s skyline and streets. Notable filming locations included the Tongue & Groove nightclub at 565 Main Street Northeast.
Additionally, the crew is believed to have used one or more of Atlanta’s prominent film studios, such as Shadowbox Studios, Cinespace Studios Atlanta, Trilith Studios, Tyler Perry Studios, and Atlanta Metro Studios. According to Decider, Jamie Foxx faced a medical emergency in mid-April, leading to the use of body doubles to complete some of his scenes.
Apart from Back in Action, Atlanta also contributed significantly to the filming of other projects. Known for its diverse locations and well-equipped studios, the city hosted productions like Baby Driver, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Citadel.
More about Back in Action
The official logline for the movie on IMDb reads:
"Former CIA spies Emily and Matt are pulled back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed."
Cameron Diaz has returned on-screen with Back in Action. According to The New York Post, it is her first film since she took a break from acting in 2014 to focus on her personal life and start her wine company, Avaline. Her previous movie was Annie (2014), where she also starred alongside Jamie Foxx.
The 2024 action comedy marks the third collaboration between Diaz and Foxx, following Any Given Sunday (1999) and Annie (2014).
As per IMDb during filming in April 2023, Jamie Foxx suffered a brain bleed and stroke, requiring emergency surgery and a lengthy recovery. He overcame a 5% survival chance, re-learning to walk and speak through intensive therapy. This film also reunites Foxx with director Seth Gordon, their second project together after Horrible Bosses (2011).
Read more: Back in Action ending explained: Did Emily and Matt rescue their kids from being held hostage?
Back in Action is currently streaming on Netflix.
