David Fincher and Brad Pitt are reportedly collaborating once again to bring to life a sequel script for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, penned by the original director, Quentin Tarantino. According to The Playlist, this unexpected project is set to be developed for Netflix, further solidifying Fincher’s ongoing partnership with the streaming service. If all goes as planned, the yet-to-be-titled sequel will feature Pitt reprising his role as the stunt double, Cliff Booth.
The journey of the script into Fincher's hands is a fascinating tale in itself. Originally, the screenplay was an evolved version of a project titled The Movie Critic, which Tarantino had considered as his final film before it was abruptly shelved last year. Unwilling to let the concept die, Tarantino has entrusted Fincher to breathe life into it.
The Playlist reports that Netflix has acquired the screenplay for $20 million, with a projected budget of $200 million. Filming is slated to begin in California in July, just three months away. While no other casting details have been confirmed, it's noted that Leonardo DiCaprio will not be returning as Rick Dalton. Both Fincher and Pitt are prioritizing this project, setting aside all other commitments.
Deadline has confirmed The Playlist's report, adding that Pitt received Tarantino's approval to share the script with Fincher, leading to this surprising development.
Quentin Tarantino's Most Notable Abandoned (Or Delayed) Projects
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, released in 2019, is widely regarded as a stellar addition to Tarantino's oeuvre. The upcoming sequel, potentially titled Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2, faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor's high standards. The original film concluded with a definitive ending, yet its universe has been further explored in other media.
In 2021, Tarantino released a novelization of the film, which delved deeper into the 1960s California setting and provided new insights into Cliff Booth's backstory, including the mystery surrounding his wife's death. This novel will likely gain additional significance once the sequel is released, though its exact relevance to the new film remains to be seen.
For more insights into Tarantino's filmography, you can explore the director's thoughts on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and how it compares to his other works. Additionally, our original review of the film awarded it a score of 7.8 out of 10.
