Cliff Booth and Rick Dalton might be making a comeback, and this time, it’s under the direction of none other than David Fincher! That’s right—while Quentin Tarantino isn’t in the director’s chair for this one, he did write the script, and it looks like Brad Pitt and possibly Leonardo DiCaprio are in talks to return to their iconic roles. And no, this isn’t an elaborate April Fool’s joke—this project is actually happening.
A New Take, Not Exactly a Sequel
While this film takes inspiration from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it’s not technically a sequel. Instead, it’s being described as a “derivative” work, meaning it will expand on the world Tarantino built without being a direct continuation of the 2019 hit. The details are still a bit murky, but what’s clear is that this project is set up at Netflix and could start filming as soon as late summer.
How Did Fincher Get Involved?
So, how did David Fincher step into this unexpected role? Apparently, Pitt was deeply interested in certain aspects of the evolving script and his character’s role in it. He approached Tarantino with a bold question: Would he consider letting another director take the reins? Tarantino’s response was reportedly along the lines of, “Depends on who.” Pitt then came back with Fincher—his longtime collaborator and the man behind Se7en, Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and World War Z. With a history like that, it’s no surprise Tarantino gave his blessing.
From there, the project was restructured, picked up by Netflix (where Fincher has a first-look deal), and now seems to be moving full speed ahead.
What About The Movie Critic?
If you’re wondering whether this is The Movie Critic—the film that was supposed to be Tarantino’s 10th and final project—the answer is no. According to insiders, that movie, which was set in the 1970s and focused on a reviewer for a pornographic magazine, has been shelved. Pitt was expected to return as Booth in The Movie Critic, but for reasons unknown, Tarantino decided to put it on ice. That left the door open for this new mystery project to take shape.
What’s Up with DiCaprio?
DiCaprio’s involvement in this project is still up in the air. He’s reportedly in talks to star in a film about Evel Knievel for Paramount, which is set to shoot this summer. On top of that, he’s also considering another collaboration with Martin Scorsese. Whether he’ll find time to jump back into the Once Upon a Time universe remains uncertain, and details on how significant his role would be in this new film are unclear.
The Sony-Tarantino Deal
There’s another puzzle piece to consider: How is Tarantino able to develop a follow-up to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood outside of Sony? The 2019 film was financed and released by Sony, but Tarantino has a unique deal where his ownership stake in the movie increases every year for 20 years—after which full rights revert back to him. It’s possible he retained the rights for sequels or spin-offs, but the exact definition of what constitutes a sequel in this case is still up for debate.
What’s Next?
With Fincher directing, Pitt on board, and Netflix backing the project, this film is already shaping up to be something special. Whether DiCaprio joins the cast, how the story will evolve from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and what kind of magic Fincher will bring to Tarantino’s world—those are all questions that will be answered in the coming months.
One thing’s for sure: The combination of Tarantino’s writing, Fincher’s direction, and Pitt’s star power is a recipe for something unforgettable. Stay tuned because this is one Hollywood reunion you won’t want to miss!
Login