- David Fincher is directing the sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” with Brad Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth. Quentin Tarantino wrote the script but is stepping aside.
- The sequel is based on Tarantino’s shelved script for “The Movie Critic” and marks another collaboration for Fincher and Pitt, who previously worked on “Fight Club” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
- No additional casting, title or release date has been announced, though the sequel represents a new chapter for the celebrated Tarantino-Pitt partnership.
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Director David Fincher is stepping in to direct the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” sequel, with Brad Pitt reprising his role as stuntman Cliff Booth. Quentin Tarantino wrote the script but is handing off directing duties, according to Variety.
While Sony Pictures released the original film, Netflix will produce the sequel.
Script tied to Tarantino’s shelved final film
The “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” sequel will reportedly be based on a script Tarantino developed for what was expected to be his tenth and final film, “The Movie Critic.” However, as The Hollywood Reporter noted, Tarantino shelved that project after initial filming preparations.
Tarantino has long said he plans to stop directing after 10 films. That goal may explain why he’s stepping aside for this one while still playing a key creative role.
Tarantino shifts to film-adjacent projects
Instead of directing, Tarantino has focused on storytelling in new ways. He’s writing a book version of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” developing a play, cohosting a podcast with longtime collaborator Roger Avery, and also recut “The Hateful Eight” as a miniseries for Netflix.
In a 2023 Deadline interview, Tarantino described “The Movie Critic” as taking place in 1977 California.
“It’s based on a guy who really lived but was never really famous, and he used to write movie reviews for a porno rag,” he said.
Pitt and Fincher reunite under Netflix
The sequel also marks a reunion between Fincher and Pitt. The pair have worked together on major films, including “Fight Club” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
This isn’t their first attempt to codevelop a sequel. Fincher and Pitt previously collaborated on a long-delayed follow-up to “World War Z,” which ultimately never made it to production.
As of this report, no additional casting has been confirmed. The “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” sequel does not yet have an official title or release date.
