David Fincher and Brad Pitt are reportedly reuniting to revive a sequel script for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, originally written by director Quentin Tarantino.
Details on this potential landmark addition to Tarantino's filmography come from The Playlist. The report indicates the Se7en duo is championing the unexpected project for Netflix, continuing Fincher's established partnership with the streamer. If plans move forward, the currently untitled sequel would feature Pitt reprising his role as stunt double Cliff Booth.
The story of how this script reached Fincher is remarkable in itself. Reportedly an evolved version of a project once known as The Movie Critic—initially slated to be Tarantino's final film before being abruptly shelved last year—the screenplay was not abandoned. Tarantino, unwilling to let the concept fade, has enlisted Fincher to bring it to the screen.
According to The Playlist's sources, Netflix acquired the screenplay for $20 million, with a projected budget of $200 million and plans to begin filming in California this July—just three months away. While no further casting is confirmed, Leonardo DiCaprio is not expected to return as Rick Dalton. Fincher and Pitt are reportedly prioritizing this sequel over all other projects.
Deadline has since corroborated The Playlist's report, confirming a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel is in development. Their sources add that Pitt received Tarantino's personal approval to present the script to Fincher, setting this surprising project in motion.
Quentin Tarantino's Most Notable Abandoned (Or Delayed) Projects
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood premiered in 2019 and is widely regarded as another stellar entry in Tarantino's celebrated body of work. Consequently, the potential sequel, which may be titled Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2, faces high expectations. The original film concluded with a definitive, brutally satisfying ending. However, its universe has been further explored in other media.
In 2021, Tarantino released a novelization of the film that expanded upon its depiction of 1960s California. The book provided new insights into Cliff Booth's backstory, including an answer to the lingering question from the movie about whether he truly killed his wife. This novel will undoubtedly gain renewed relevance when the sequel releases, though its direct importance to the new story remains unclear.
For more on Tarantino's acclaimed filmography, explore the director's own perspective on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and our analysis of how it compares to his other films. You can also read our original 7.8/10 review of the movie.
