David Fincher is undeniably a talented director, and expectations are high for the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, the decision to have Quentin Tarantino step back from directing raises eyebrows among fans. Brad Pitt is set to reprise his iconic role as stuntman Cliff Booth in this Netflix project, with Tarantino providing the script. Filming is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2025, signaling that the project has moved well beyond initial development.
The return of Pitt to a role that garnered him an Oscar is undoubtedly exciting, showcasing the caliber of talent involved in this sequel. Yet, Tarantino’s unique style as a writer-director—particularly evident in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, one of his most personal projects—suggests that handing off directing responsibilities to another filmmaker may alter the essence of the sequel. Although Tarantino’s script is expected to maintain his creative vision, the variation in directorial interpretation brings a different perspective to this familiar narrative.
Tarantino’s Initial Vision for the Sequel
Originally Titled The Movie Critic
In March 2023, there were reports that Tarantino had completed the screenplay for what he envisioned as his tenth and final film, originally titled The Movie Critic. The narrative followed a film reviewer working for a pornographic magazine in Los Angeles during 1977, designed for a male lead in his 30s. However, due to production delays caused by the 2023 strikes, Tarantino opted to adapt the script into a continuation of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Pitt set to return as Cliff. Production was initially slated to begin in early 2025.
As the project progressed, Tarantino experienced hesitance about The Movie Critic serving as his last cinematic venture due to his self-imposed ten-film rule. Then, in April 2024, news broke that he had completely abandoned the project. Interestingly, it appears that the screenplay intended for The Movie Critic is now set to be revitalized as the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Fincher at the helm.
Fincher’s Unique Challenge
A Departure from Fincher’s Usual Style
Though Fincher has earned acclaim by collaborating with some of the industry’s most illustrious screenwriters, evident through his stunning adaptation of Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Network, there is skepticism regarding his ability to successfully direct a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Given that the sequel is expected to resemble the original, it’s critical to recognize that Fincher lacks experience in crafting a laid-back comedic narrative.
The charm of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood lay in its easygoing atmosphere and humorous elements. While Fincher may excel at integrating dark humor into films like Fight Club and The Killer, he has not yet undertaken a full-fledged comedy. His reputation is built on meticulously crafted suspense thrillers with a Hitchcockian flair. One could argue that he would have thrived with Tarantino’s earlier works like Reservoir Dogs or Jackie Brown, but the essence required for a sun-drenched hangout movie seems less suited to his directorial strengths.
Limitations of Tarantino’s Vision in the Sequel
Absence of Tarantino’s Directorial Insight
With the transition of directing responsibilities to Fincher, the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is unlikely to align with Tarantino’s complete artistic vision. While the script remains intact, Fincher’s distinct directing style will undoubtedly yield a different outcome from what fans might have anticipated. Fincher’s approach will differ significantly from Tarantino’s unique filmmaking voice, making it improbable for the sequel to replicate the original’s charm.
Upon its release in 2019, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood achieved substantial commercial success, grossing $392.1 million globally.
Tarantino’s interactive process with his actors, allowing them to embody their characters while embracing improvisation, was pivotal in creating the film’s relaxed atmosphere. In stark contrast, Fincher has developed a reputation for his meticulous techniques and insistence on numerous takes to achieve perfection. This contrast in methodologies raises concerns that the sequel may lack the relaxed vibe that so effectively characterized its predecessor.