Cameron Diaz to ‘un-retire’ from acting with Jamie Foxx film

Cameron Diaz is to come out of acting retirement to star in a new movie, the suitably-titled Back in Action, alongside Jamie Foxx.

Actor and musician Foxx teased the announcement on social media, releasing a phone call between himself and Diaz.

It comes eight years after the pair appeared together in what became Diaz’s last film – a 2014 remake of Annie, in which she played Miss Hannigan.

Diaz, 49, said she was “so anxious” but “excited” about returning.

During the same phone call, Foxx, who won an Oscar for his 2004 portrayal of US soul singer Ray Charles, connected Diaz with Super Bowl-winner Tom Brady in order to offer some advice about launching a big-time comeback.

Diaz made her breakthrough in the 1994 comedy The Mask opposite Jim Carrey, and she went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

She was well known for her Golden-Globe nominated performance in Ben Stiller’s rom-com There’s Something About Mary, as well as films like Charlie’s Angels and The Holiday.

She also provided the voice for Princess Fiona in the animated classic Shrek, and was nominated for a Bafta for best supporting actress for Being John Malkovich.

The final movie appearance of her 20-year career, which also included the critically acclaimed Gangs of New York and Vanilla Sky, came in the 2014 film adaptation of the musical Annie.

She formally confirmed her retirement from acting in 2018, but had previously indicated that she was taking a step back.

Speaking at an event run by her friend Gwyneth Paltrow, Diaz said: “I just went, ‘I can’t really say who I am to myself.’ Which is a hard thing to face up to. I felt the need to make myself whole.”

However, she also stated that she will not rule out a return one day.

After walking away from Hollywood, Diaz said she had found “peace”.

In another conversation with Paltrow, this time on the Sliding Doors star’s wellness podcast, Diaz said: “I got a peace in my soul, because I finally was taking care of myself.

“It’s a strange thing to say, I know a lot of people won’t understand it, I know you understand it, but it’s so intense to work at that level and be that public and put yourself out there.”

She added: “There’s a lot of energy coming at you at all times when you’re really visible as an actor and doing press and putting yourself out there.”