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Hollywood is set for another blockbuster collaboration as David Fincher takes the helm of an unexpected sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Quentin Tarantino penning the script. The project, now in development at Netflix, will see Brad Pitt reprise his Oscar-winning role as Cliff Booth.
The decision to develop the sequel under Fincher's first-look deal with Netflix marks a shift in distribution strategy. The original 2019 film, released by Sony Pictures, was a box office success, grossing over $377 million worldwide. Tarantino had previously negotiated the rights to reclaim ownership of the film's underlying copyright, which likely paved the way for this follow-up under Netflix's umbrella.
Industry insiders took note of the project's announcement at CinemaCon, an annual gathering of theater executives. "It's a significant moment for streaming," said film analyst Scott Mendelson. "Fincher and Tarantino bring theatrical prestige to Netflix, reinforcing the platform's push into high-caliber cinema."
Brad's portrayal of the charismatic yet enigmatic stuntman Cliff Booth earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The character's backstory was further explored in Tarantino's novelization of the film, revealing Booth's deep knowledge of cinema and his ambiguous past.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new film is described as a "derivative work" rather than a direct sequel. "The goal is to build upon the established world rather than simply continue the previous story," an anonymous source close to the production shared.
Quentin had initially planned The Movie Critic as his tenth and final feature, centering on a 1970s film critic who wrote for an adult magazine. Pitt was rumored to star, possibly reprising a version of Cliff Booth. However, Tarantino ultimately shelved the project. "Right now, it's just not enticing to me," he told Deadline in a recent interview.
His decision opened the door for this collaboration with Fincher, a director with whom Pitt has a rich history. The duo previously worked together on Fight Club (1999), Se7en (1995), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), each film earning critical and commercial acclaim.
Production is expected to begin this summer, but details remain scarce. Neither Leonardo DiCaprio nor Margot Robbie have been confirmed to return. However, industry sources suggest that the film will retain Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's signature blend of historical fiction and stylized violence.
Brad Pitt, now 61, is also gearing up for F1, a high-profile Formula One racing film set for a June 27 release. Meanwhile, Fincher's latest Netflix venture, The Killer, has been widely praised for its meticulous direction.
