David Fincher and Brad Pitt Reunite for ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ Sequel Penned by Quentin Tarantino

The cinematic world is set for a groundbreaking collaboration as David Fincher takes the director’s chair for a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

Starring Brad Pitt, the film is being fast-tracked for a Netflix release with a massive $200 million budget. This unexpected project sees Fincher directing a Tarantino-penned script—a first for the legendary filmmaker, who typically helms his own works.

How This Sequel Came to Be

“In this town, it can all change… like that,” said Rick Dalton in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and true to that sentiment, the tables have turned in Hollywood once again. Originally, Tarantino had been working on a new film, ‘The Movie Critic’, which was rumored to feature Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth.

However, as the acclaimed writer-director kept developing the script, it evolved into something more—ultimately expanding Booth’s story into a full-fledged sequel. Rather than directing it himself, Tarantino approached Fincher, who quickly jumped on board.

The Fincher-Pitt Connection

David Fincher and Brad Pitt have shared a strong creative bond over the years, collaborating on classics like Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Their long-standing partnership played a crucial role in Fincher’s involvement in this sequel. Pitt reportedly had the first opportunity to join Fincher’s upcoming projects, and the allure of a Cliff Booth-centered sequel proved irresistible.

With the project already in motion, Netflix quickly secured the rights, reportedly paying over $20 million for Tarantino’s screenplay. The streaming giant’s existing first-look deal with Fincher made it the perfect home for the film, which is expected to begin shooting this July in California.

What to Expect From the Sequel

While official plot details remain under wraps, all signs point to this being a Cliff Booth-centric film, with Leonardo DiCaprio’s return as Rick Dalton appearing doubtful. However, insiders suggest that Dalton may still make a cameo appearance. Additionally, Margot Robbie’s team has confirmed her availability, meaning Sharon Tate’s character could return.

This sequel marks an intriguing shift for Tarantino, who has long maintained that his tenth film would be his last. By handing off the director’s reins to Fincher, he avoids making his final film a sequel, keeping his promise of ending on an original story.

Fincher’s Shuffled Slate

Fincher was juggling multiple projects before committing to this film, including a “Squid Game” spin-off series with Dennis Kelly, the long-rumored Western project “Bitterroot”, and a potential remake of “Chinatown” that was in development with Tom Pelphrey. However, all these ventures have taken a backseat as he prioritizes this unprecedented collaboration with Tarantino.

Theatrical vs. Streaming: A New Era for Tarantino?

While Tarantino has always emphasized the theatrical experience, he has also maintained a good relationship with Netflix. His decision to let the streamer distribute The Hateful Eight with additional footage proves that he’s open to digital platforms.

However, it remains likely that his final directorial project will return to traditional theatrical releases, with Sony being the expected distributor.

A 2026 Release on the Horizon

With production moving at a rapid pace, fans can expect this sequel to hit Netflix by 2026. As the project takes shape, further casting announcements are expected soon. In the words of Cliff Booth himself, “And away we go.”

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