Danielle Brooks is bringing her powerhouse presence to the upcoming Netflix action comedy Bad Day, joining a star-studded cast led by Cameron Diaz. Directed by Jake Szymanski (Jury Duty, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and written by Laura Solon, the film promises a wild ride through one woman’s worst day ever—with Brooks playing a key role in the chaos.
In Bad Day, Brooks portrays a grumpy New York City detective hot on the trail of Diaz’s character—a single mom who’s desperately trying to keep one small promise to her daughter amid a cascade of disasters. Think Falling Down meets Bridesmaids: the film is described as a comedic twist on the 1993 drama starring Michael Douglas, swapping existential rage for explosive laughs and heartfelt resilience.
Brooks’ character is paired with fellow detective John Higgins (of the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group), forming a duo tasked with tracking down the frazzled mother as she barrels through the city on her mission. Their dynamic promises to add layers of humor and tension to the film’s fast-paced narrative.
Alongside Brooks and Diaz, the film features Ed O’Neill as the curmudgeonly father-in-law who seems determined to make everyone’s life miserable. The ensemble also includes rising stars Rhenzy Feliz, Jessica Belkin, and Emma Pearson, rounding out a cast that blends veteran talent with fresh faces.
Produced by Beau Bauman under the Good One Productions banner, Bad Day reunites Bauman and Diaz following their successful collaboration on Back in Action. Solon and Mark Moran serve as executive producers, with production set to begin on the East Coast this fall.
Danielle Brooks continues to shine across genres. Known for her breakout role in Orange Is the New Black and her critically acclaimed performance in The Color Purple, Brooks currently stars as Leota Adebayo in HBO Max’s Peacemaker. Her ability to balance intensity with comedic timing makes her a perfect fit for Bad Day’s blend of action and humor.
With Brooks on board, Bad Day is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of sharp comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and high-stakes hijinks. Keep an eye out—this holiday season, Netflix might just deliver the most entertaining disaster of the year.
