Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Back in Action.

Back in Action features an all-star cast, including Glenn Close, who has previously appeared in another, inferior Netflix action thriller film. The 2025 movie, directed by Seth Gordon and written by Gordon and Brendan O’Brien, also stars Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx as Emily and Matt, former CIA spies forced to come out of retirement when their new idenтιтies are compromised. Meanwhile, Close plays Ginny Curtis, Emily’s mother who happens to be a former MI6 operative, in the Back in Action cast.

Back in Action premiered on January 17, 2025, and immediately became a hit on Netflix. The movie sH๏τ to the top of the streaming service’s charts as many tuned in to watch Diaz’s long-awaited return to acting and stayed for the comedy and action. Even though critics haven’t exactly endlessly praised Back in Action, audiences have seemingly been loving it. Plus, when compared to Close’s previous action thriller film, Back in Action is a mᴀssive success for the distinguished actress.

Glenn Close’s Back In Action Netflix Role Is Way Better Than Her Heart Of Stone Cameo

Close Played The King of Diamonds In Heart Of Stone

Whereas Glenn Close has a significant, memorable role in Back in Action, the same couldn’t be said for her cameo in Heart of Stone. Netflix’s 2023 spy action thriller, directed by Tom Harper and written by Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder, revolves around Gal Gadot’s Rachel Stone, a “Charter” spy tasked with protecting “The Heart,” an AI system that could be very dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. As for Close, the veteran actress plays the King of Diamonds in Heart of Stone.

The King of Diamonds, one of Charter’s four leaders, merely makes a cameo in the film . She appears in two scenes, which is just a waste of Close’s talent. So, while Heart of Stone was one of Netflix’s most-watched movies in 2023, Back in Action is undoubtedly the better Close spy action thriller. Close’s Ginny is a complex character the audience (and Emily) grows to love over the course of the story. The actress gets plenty of space and time to show off her impressive, diverse acting skills in Back in Action, which isn’t true for her cameo in Heart of Stone.

Back In Action Can Finally Give Glenn Close A Great New Franchise

The Movie Ends On A Cliffhanger

Glenn Close has starred in various film franchises throughout her career, but it has been a while since she has had one. Back in Action could be Close’s latest movie series. Heart of Stone‘s popularity quickly faded, with no sequel in sight. However, the 2025 action comedy has what it takes to become a franchise as its star power and story have compelled many to watch. It also helps that Back in Action ends on a cliffhanger (the reveal that Chuck is alive and Emily’s father, aka Ginny’s ex-husband, is also a spy), suggesting a sequel might be in the works.