The universe of Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is set to broaden with a new cinematic project helmed by David Fincher. While I find it reassuring that this upcoming film won’t be a sequel, I believe it nevertheless poses a significant creative risk. Tarantino has traditionally shied away from sequels, with the exception of Kill Bill: Volume 2. His ninth feature, which transported audiences back to the late 1960s during Hollywood’s Golden Age, has now inspired a fresh narrative direction.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood centers on the lives of Rick Dalton (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his trusted stuntman Cliff Booth (played by Brad Pitt), both of whom are grappling with a stalled career trajectory. Their story takes a dramatic turn as they encounter Charles Manson and his notorious followers, resulting in a fateful confrontation. This original film not only garnered critical acclaim but also struck a chord with audiences, paving the way for its new installment, which is set to be distributed by Netflix under Fincher’s direction.
David Fincher’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Cliff Booth Follow-Up
Exploring Cliff Booth’s Future
In a surprising announcement made in April 2025, the development of a new film set in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood universe was confirmed. This time, however, David Fincher will take the reins instead of Tarantino, and the focus will shift solely to Cliff Booth’s character. Rather than receiving a traditional theatrical release, the film has been acquired by Netflix. Initially speculated to be a sequel, the latest updates clarify that this project is more accurately described as a follow-up, delving into Cliff’s life eight years after the events of the first film.
As reported by The Big Picture, this new venture will explore Cliff’s “further adventures” during a different chapter in his life. The conclusion of the original film, featuring a confrontational encounter with Manson’s followers, was marked by its unique blend of violence and dark humor, leaving Cliff’s future ambiguous and ripe for exploration.
Tarantino’s film ended with Cliff being whisked away in an ambulance, while Rick received an invitation to Sharon Tate’s (Margot Robbie) residence, hinting at a potential career resurgence. However, the specifics of Cliff’s destiny remained unresolved. The fact that this new installment will not follow the traditional sequel path is welcome, as it provides creative latitude to explore Cliff’s journey without being tethered to the original narrative.
Rick Dalton’s Involvement in the Upcoming Film Remains Uncertain
Rick Dalton Might Not Feature in the Next Film
With the focus now squarely on Cliff Booth, speculation regarding Rick Dalton’s role in this follow-up has emerged. Given their intertwined careers and past reliance on one another, questions about Dalton’s presence are both valid and unavoidable. While their paths may diverge in the plot, Dalton remains a pivotal figure in Cliff’s story.
However, since Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2 does not inherit the mantle of a traditional sequel, the likelihood of Rick Dalton making a significant appearance appears slim. The setting of this new narrative is reportedly 1977, aligning with Cliff’s evolving journey. Although Rick’s career might be alluded to in conversation, his participation in the plot is not anticipated to be substantial.
A Major Risk: Continuing Without Tarantino
Tarantino Is Contributing the Script but Not Directing
While I have faith in David Fincher’s capabilities, I can’t help but feel anxious about the project’s direction in Tarantino’s absence. Though Tarantino is credited with writing the script, his unique approach to storytelling—characterized by a distinct visual and narrative style—defines his body of work. Fincher’s interpretation could yield an intriguing narrative, but it runs the risk of diverging from the essence that made the original film a classic.
The stark differences in their creative styles pose the risk of the upcoming film appearing disconnected from its predecessor, with Cliff Booth as the sole thread uniting both narratives. This situation contrasts sharply with creating an entirely new storyline within the same universe, which may have mitigated some creative burden.
An Echo of Tarantino’s Unfinished Vision
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Links to Tarantino’s The Movie Critic
Despite its risks, I am genuinely looking forward to Fincher’s take on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This project will serve as the closest reflection of Tarantino’s ambitious yet unrealized film, The Movie Critic. Tarantino has long expressed his intent to retire post his tenth film, and The Movie Critic was initially slated to be that project, centered around a film critic operating in the late 1970s, inspired by a real-life figure Tarantino encountered.
Interestingly, Brad Pitt was rumored to have a role in The Movie Critic, which was ultimately reimagined to intersect with the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood narrative. Given that the follow-up film is set in the same year and focuses on Cliff, it signifies a continuation of themes inherent to Tarantino’s vision.
Ultimately, the script for this next chapter is believed to align closely with that of The Movie Critic, albeit adapted for the current project, showcasing an intriguing blend of both directors’ styles and sensibilities. While the challenges lie ahead, the potential for innovative storytelling is tantalizing.
Source: The Big Picture.