Well, well, well… It looks like Hollywood just can’t resist diving into its treasure trove of the past! After Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood graced the big screen in 2019, whisking us through a wistful and bittersweet farewell to the Golden Age of cinema, many of us couldn’t help but wonder: is this truly the end of the line? No, this is not an April Fool’s prank!
The sequel we never saw coming is not just on the horizon; it’s poised to rewrite the narrative. Tarantino’s cinematic love letter is getting a fresh lease on life, and this isn’t your run-of-the-mill follow-up. No, this is an entirely new chapter, with none other than David Fincher taking the reins.
What’s more, Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth is making his grand return to the spotlight, ready to take the story in a whole new direction. Get ready because this spin is anything but predictable!
Here are five things we know so far about this untitled project!
5. David Fincher to direct the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel written by Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino, the man who has always been the captain of his own ship, is stepping back, but not in the way you think. The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel is being written by Tarantino but is set to be directed by David Fincher.
Yes, The Playlist spilled the beans that Fincher, the reigning king of dark thrillers (Se7en, Panic Room, Zodiac), is about to dip his toes into Tarantino’s world. Now, we’re all left scratching our heads, wondering what kind of wild, twisted concoction these two cinematic heavyweights will cook up together.
Tarantino handing over the reins isn’t unheard of—he’s done it before in his early days, but this feels different. Can Fincher balance Tarantino’s quirky narrative style with his own flair for the grim?
Well, the odds seem to be in our favor. If The Killer (2023) is any indication, things are looking very promising. Fincher’s latest cinematic triumph, starring Michael Fassbender and Arliss Howard, has already garnered rave reviews. The film’s meticulous storytelling and atmospheric intensity earned it an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
With this kind of praise, it’s safe to say that Fincher’s ability to bring depth and tension to every frame could seamlessly complement the eccentric flair Tarantino’s fans love.
4. Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel
According to The Playlist report, Brad Pitt is back in the saddle, or should we say, back on the stunt double scene, reprising his role as the ever-cool, laid-back, and mysterious Cliff Booth. If you thought you’d seen the last of this Oscar-winning duo from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, think again.
Cliff Booth was always the quieter, enigmatic counterpart to Rick Dalton, and now, it’s his time to shine. With Quentin Tarantino’s script and David Fincher’s direction, there’s no telling where Cliff’s story will take us next.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a cinematic gem, racking up ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, with two wins—Best Supporting Actor for Pitt and Best Production Design.
3. Quentin Tarantino’s abandoned script evolved into a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel
This isn’t just any sequel—it’s the evolution of an earlier abandoned script. The screenplay is one that Quentin Tarantino originally wrote for The Movie Critic, a project that was ultimately scrapped. However, the news didn’t exactly sit well with Emile Hirsch, who worked alongside Tarantino in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, leaving him with some mixed feelings about the change of direction.
Regardless, the elements of that script have found new life, as Brad Pitt convinced Tarantino to pass it along to his longtime collaborator, Fincher, who’s directed him in Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (via THR).
The screenplay itself is a treasure trove for cinephiles—there’s a rich, layered world waiting to be explored, and it’s said to contain elements that are linked to the broader Once Upon a Time universe. It might not follow Rick Dalton’s tale directly, but it will most certainly build on the mythology we’ve already come to love.
2. Could Leonardo DiCaprio & Margot Robbie return in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel?
And wait, aren’t we forgetting someone? Of course, Leonardo DiCaprio, who brought the iconic Rick Dalton to life, might just make a cameo in this sequel. According to The InSneider, DiCaprio’s return, even in a small role, is on the table. Plus, Margot Robbie, who portrayed the beloved Sharon Tate, is also reportedly interested in reprising her role. It’s shaping up to be a reunion of sorts, with familiar faces returning to enrich the evolving narrative.
Though a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel without DiCaprio would be a huge leap into uncharted waters, it’s not entirely off the table. With Pitt stepping up to the plate as Cliff Booth, the sequel could still forge ahead, diving into new dynamics and characters while keeping a foot in the door of the original’s world.
Nevertheless, it’s tough to imagine the sequel really hitting the mark without the dynamic duo’s chemistry — their onscreen partnership was the magic ingredient that brought the film to life. Without it, the sequel might just fall flat.
1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel set up at Netflix with $200M budget
The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel is reportedly set up at Netflix, with a $200M budget that reflects its ambition (World of Reel). With David Fincher’s longstanding relationship with the streaming giant, it seems like the perfect place for this film to come to life. Netflix has increasingly been the home for projects that demand high-caliber production, and with a budget of that size, you can bet that every dollar will be put to good use.
Fincher, having inked a fresh deal with Netflix through 2027, is now balancing a slew of high-stakes projects, such as Bitterroot, Squid Game: America, and a Chinatown prequel. With a proven track record through Mank (2020) and The Killer (2023), both of which struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, it’s clear this sequel is poised to be in the hands of a director who can breathe new life into Quentin Tarantino’s script.
If you ask us, we can’t wait to see where this collaboration takes us. The train is rolling, and we’re already on board.
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood is available to rent on Apple TV.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
