David Fincher and Brad Pitt are reuniting for a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, written by Quentin Tarantino. This unexpected project will be a cinematic first, as Tarantino has always directed his own screenplays.
The film is being set up at Netflix, where Fincher has a first-look deal. Production is expected to begin quickly in California this July with a reported budget of around $200 million.
Origins of the Project
The screenplay is said to have evolved from Tarantino’s scrapped project The Movie Critic, which originally featured Cliff Booth, Pitt’s character from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Rather than letting the script go unused, Tarantino reportedly approached Fincher, and Netflix secured the rights for a rumored $20 million.
Casting and Storyline
While plot details remain largely under wraps, the film appears to be centered on Cliff Booth. It is unclear if Leonardo DiCaprio will reprise his role as Rick Dalton, though sources suggest he may have a cameo. Margot Robbie has also expressed interest in returning.
Fincher’s Priorities and Other Projects
Fincher is putting his other projects on hold to focus on this film. These include his Squid Game spin-off series, a Western project titled Bitterroot, and a potential Chinatown remake.
Tarantino’s Future Plans
This move suggests that Tarantino, who has long claimed his next film will be his last, did not want his tenth and final project to be a sequel. While he has historically prioritized theatrical releases, his previous collaboration with Netflix on The Hateful Eight extended cut indicates a working relationship with the streamer.
Netflix has not yet provided official comments on the project. The anticipated release date for the film is sometime in 2026.