Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Sequel: Brad Pitt Returns, David Fincher Directs, Tarantino’s Changing Plans, and more

David Fincher and Brad Pitt are reuniting for an unexpected but thrilling project—a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. With Tarantino himself penning the script and Fincher taking the director’s chair, this follow-up is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films in recent memory. 

But what’s even more surprising? The project is moving forward at Netflix, with a massive budget and a focus on Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth. Here’s everything we know so far.

David Fincher to Direct Sequel to Tarantino’s Oscar-Winning Film

In a move that has stunned film fans, David Fincher is set to direct a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 Academy Award-winning film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The project, which will be produced by Netflix, marks an unprecedented collaboration between two of Hollywood’s most revered directors, with Tarantino writing the screenplay and Fincher taking the helm. 

Brad Pitt Returns as Cliff Booth

Brad Pitt will reprise his role as stuntman Cliff Booth, the character that earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. However, reports suggest that Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton or Margot Robbie are unlikely to return, though a cameo is not off the table. With the focus shifting to Booth, the sequel is expected to explore his character and backstory further, potentially drawing from Tarantino’s novelization of the original film.

How did this Sequel Happen?

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Tarantino originally planned to make The Movie Critic, a film rumored to be his tenth and final directorial effort. The movie would have followed a film critic writing for a pornographic magazine in the 1970s, with Pitt expected to play a version of his Once Upon a Time in Hollywood character, Cliff Booth.

However, Tarantino’s work on the script reportedly evolved into a direct continuation of Booth’s story. THR wrote: "Pitt was taken by certain aspects of the script (of the Movie Critic), which never seemed to stop evolving, as well as his character’s part in it. He asked the filmmaker (Tarantino) whether he would consider letting someone else direct the untitled project. Tarantino replied, and we paraphrase here, “Depends on who.”"

Brad Pitt then approached Fincher, setting the stage for an unexpected but highly anticipated collaboration.

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Netflix’s Involvement and Production Details

The sequel is being developed under Fincher’s first-look deal with Netflix, with the streamer reportedly investing around $200 million in the production. Shooting is set to begin in California this July, making it one of the most high-profile productions of the year. The shift from a theatrical release (as with the original film) to a streaming platform is a notable change, highlighting Netflix’s growing influence in big-budget filmmaking.

Not a Traditional Sequel?

While the film is being described as a continuation of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it may not be a direct sequel. Instead, some sources suggest it will be a “derivative” (via The Hollywood Reporter) story that takes inspiration from the original film rather than serving as a conventional follow-up. This could be due to Tarantino’s unique deal with Sony, which allows him ownership over certain aspects of the film, including its characters.

Fincher and Pitt’s Longstanding Collaboration

This marks a major reunion between Pitt and Fincher, who have previously worked together on Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Fincher was also set to direct Pitt in the now-defunct World War Z sequel. The duo’s history of critically acclaimed collaborations has fans eagerly anticipating what they’ll bring to the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood universe.

What’s next?

As of now, no official title has been announced, and additional casting details remain under wraps. With production set to start soon, more updates are expected in the coming months. Given the combination of Tarantino’s writing, Fincher’s direction, and Pitt’s return, the project is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films in recent years.

Stay tuned as more details emerge on this unexpected but highly anticipated sequel.