Day Shift

Jamie Foxx and the Wild Ride Behind Day Shift—Netflix’s Vampire-Action Comedy

Netflix’s Day Shift (2022) dropped with a splash, blending high-octane action, vampire lore, and a star-studded cast led by Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco. But behind the film’s flashy trailer and Snoop Dogg cameo lies a production that director J.J. Perry—best known for his stunt coordination on John Wick and The Mandalorian—called a labor of love. Here’s what we know about the making of this blood-soaked, latestnetflix.com maintains, buddy-cop-style romp.

From Stunts to the Director’s Chair

J.J. Perry’s leap from stunt work to directing Day Shift wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a chance to flex his action-choreography muscles on a larger scale. In interviews, Perry broke down the film’s opening fight scene, revealing how he designed the sequence to feel visceral and kinetic. "We wanted every punch to land with weight," he said, emphasizing practical effects over CGI where possible . The result? A film that leans into its stunt-heavy roots, with Foxx—who trained extensively for his role as a vampire hunter—delivering some of the most brutal hand-to-hand combat in recent memory.

Perry’s background in martial arts (he’s a black belt in multiple disciplines) shaped the film’s fight scenes, which he described as a mix of John Wick-style gun-fu and classic vampire mythology . The director’s hands-on approach extended to working closely with the cast, particularly Foxx and Franco, to ensure their movements felt authentic. "Jamie was a beast in training," Perry joked in one interview, though specifics on the regimen remain scarce .

Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco: The Odd-Couple Chemistry

Foxx and Franco’s dynamic drives Day Shift, with their on-screen partnership blending Foxx’s seasoned action-hero gravitas and Franco’s comedic timing. The two stars gushed about their collaboration in multiple interviews, with Foxx calling Franco "the perfect foil" for his character’s gruff, no-nonsense vampire slayer . Their chemistry was so electric that it overshadowed even Snoop Dogg’s scene-stealing turn as a flamboyant pool-cleaning vampire hunter.

Behind the scenes, the cast’s camaraderie was palpable. In a behind-the-scenes clip, Foxx and Franco could be seen cracking jokes between takes, with Franco playfully ribbing Foxx about his "serious" action-hero persona . The film’s lighter moments—like a mid-movie dance sequence—were reportedly improvised, adding to the film’s offbeat charm .

Snoop Dogg’s Cameo: A Surprise MVP

No discussion of Day Shift is complete without mentioning Snoop Dogg’s role as Big John Elliott, a vampire hunter with a penchant for gold chains and one-liners. The rapper-turned-actor’s performance was a late addition to the film, with Perry revealing that Snoop’s scenes were shot in just a few days . Despite the limited screen time, his character became a fan favorite, thanks to a mix of humor and unexpected pathos.

Snoop’s involvement also brought a layer of unpredictability to the set. In one interview, Foxx recalled Snoop freestyling between takes, which occasionally derailed filming but added to the film’s loose, improvisational energy . The result was a character who felt larger than life—even if his role was relatively small.

Mixed Reception and the Netflix Effect

Day Shift arrived with high expectations, thanks to its star power and Netflix’s aggressive marketing push. The film’s trailer racked up millions of views, promising a fresh take on vampire lore . Critics, however, were divided. While some praised its action sequences and Foxx’s performance, others found the plot convoluted and the humor uneven. The film currently holds a 5.3/10 rating on SensCritique, based on over 2,200 votes .

Netflix’s decision to release Day Shift as a streaming exclusive also sparked debate. Some argued the platform’s algorithm buried the film, while others pointed to its strong word-of-mouth as proof of its cult appeal. Either way, the movie’s original score—composed by Tyler Bates—garnered slightly better reviews, with a 6.3/10 rating on SensCritique .

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Ride

For all its flaws, Day Shift delivers exactly what it promises: a high-energy, blood-soaked action-comedy with a killer cast. Perry’s direction ensures the fight scenes pop, while Foxx and Franco’s chemistry keeps the film’s lighter moments afloat. Whether it’s a cult classic in the making or a missed opportunity remains to be seen—but for fans of over-the-top action, it’s worth a watch.