The highly anticipated sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award-winning film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, is reportedly making its way to streaming services. Given the immense success and critical acclaim of the original, it’s understandable to question whether it might also enjoy a theatrical release. The forthcoming film, evolving from an original Tarantino script, will center on Brad Pitt’s character Cliff Booth, moving away from the dual-lead format seen in its predecessor. Notably, this script signifies a reimagined version of what was intended to be Tarantino’s 10th and concluding film, originally titled The Movie Critic.
In a surprising turn of events, the sequel will be directed by the acclaimed David Fincher, a frequent collaborator with Brad Pitt on projects like Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It is indeed rare for a sequel to a notable cinematic work, crafted by such a distinguished filmmaker, to be reassigned to another celebrated director, especially with the shift from theatrical to streaming formats. With several high-profile individuals involved, the decision for a straight-to-streaming release raises questions about the motivation behind this choice.
Netflix Welcomes Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Sequel Under David Fincher
Exclusive Deal with Netflix Shapes Release Plans
Fincher’s creative partnership with Netflix, established in 2020 and extended until 2027, includes an exclusive first-look contract, as reported by World of Reel. His contributions to the platform have resulted in popular series and films like House of Cards, Mindhunter, Love, Death & Robots, Mank, and The Killer. Beyond the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel, Fincher is also developing additional projects with Netflix, including a series adaptation of Squid Game.
|
Key Details of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Release Date |
Budget |
Box Office Gross |
RT Tomatometer Score |
RT Popcornmeter Score |
Metacritic Metascore |
Metacritic User Score |
|
July 26, 2019 |
$96 million |
$392.1 million |
86% |
70% |
84 |
7.5/10 |
With Fincher at the helm, the follow-up to Tarantino’s 1960s homage is destined for Netflix, consistent with his existing agreement. While the original film was released by Sony Pictures, it appears Tarantino has negotiated rights to regain ownership of the film after a specific duration, which suggests that the shift to streaming may be seamless, removing legal obstacles often associated with theatrical releases.
The Unlikelihood of a Theatrical Release for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Sequel
Fincher’s Leaning Towards Streaming Only
Reports indicate that the follow-up to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is being expedited, with both Fincher and Pitt expressing high interest in the project, likely influenced by the unique context of its development. Early estimates suggest filming may commence in 2025, pointing towards a potential debut on Netflix by 2026, contingent on budget and casting complexities. Although a theatrical release could be conceivable with such a star-studded cast, the prevailing trend indicates a streaming-centric distribution model.
In an evolving cinematic landscape, unconventional release strategies are gaining traction. Netflix currently has an agreement allowing them to showcase Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Narnia in IMAX theaters for a limited duration, opening the door for similar opportunities for high-profile releases. Nonetheless, given Fincher’s strong ties to Netflix, it appears he may not be inclined to advocate for a broad theatrical release unless day-and-date strategies were previously arranged as part of Tarantino’s negotiations.
A Theatrical Release is Justified for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Sequel
The Sequel to an Oscar-Winning Film Deserves the Big Screen
As a film that has etched its place among the best of the 2010s, allowing its sequel to bypass a theatrical experience feels disheartening. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood serves as a remarkable tribute to the golden era of 1960s filmmaking, and witnessing its continuation on a streaming platform diminishes the grandeur intended by the original. The film’s impressive production design and stellar performances warrant an immersive viewing in theaters, providing proper context and depth that a home viewing cannot replicate.
While it remains early in the development of the sequel, the involvement of Fincher and Pitt, along with what is presumed to be a stellar script, suggests that more information will unfold as production moves forward. David Fincher’s ongoing arrangement with Netflix will likely keep the sequel exclusive to the platform, but opportunities may arise for a deal that permits the story of Cliff Booth to grace the big screen.
Source: World of Reel, Variety