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Jamie Foxx has a new comedy special coming to Netflix that will detail his recent near-death experience. In April 2023, Foxx was hospitalized with a “serious medical complication,” although the cause of the medical emergency has never been revealed.
Foxx has previously said he was “gone for 20 days” and had no memory of what happened. Earlier this year, Foxx said he would reveal what happened to him in a special that would” get back to [his] stand-up roots.” This upcoming special on Netflix is his first comedy special since 2003.
The 56-year-old actor won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Ray Charles in the 2004 film Ray and is also known for his work in movies such as Collateral, Jarhead, Miami Vice, Dreamgirls, Law Abiding Citizen, Due Date, Horrible Bosses, Django Unchained, White House Down, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Baby Driver, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and more.
In the trailer, a voiceover says “Jamie Foxx literally died” before the Oscar-winning actor, musician, and comedian strutted on stage, proudly proclaiming “I’m back!”
“What Had Happened Was… sees Foxx telling the truth behind his 2023 medical emergency that left him hospitalized and fighting for his life. In the special, Foxx discusses his deep gratitude to those who prayed for his recovery — and he addresses the online speculation surrounding his health.” [via Variety]
“I’m so glad to see y’all here. I’m so glad to be here. What had happened was…” Foxx says in the teaser trailer for the special, which was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, back in October.
Check out the official synopsis and teaser for What Had Happened Was, which was produced by Foxx, Marcus King, Datari Turner, James Longman, Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan and Hamish Hamilton (who also directed the special), via Netflix:
“Oscar and Grammy-winner and beloved comedy icon, Jamie Foxx, returns to the stage to set the record straight in a comedy event that celebrates resilience, humor, and the power of community; if he can stay funny, he can stay alive.”
Fox’s first film following his 2023 medical emergency will be the upcoming Netflix film Back in Action, which also features Cameron Diaz in her first starring role in a movie in a decade.
Directed by Horrible Bosses filmmaker Seth Gordon, Back in Action also stars Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, Kyle Chandler, and Glenn Close alongside Foxx and Diaz, and will hit Netflix on January 17, 2025.