In a thrilling development for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood fans, a follow-up is in the works. However, this isn’t your traditional sequel. Instead, we’re looking at a derivative project inspired by the iconic 2019 film, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated films of the year.
The new project will bring back Brad Pitt as the beloved stuntman Cliff Booth, with David Fincher stepping into the director’s chair, rather than Quentin Tarantino. This unexpected turn of events has left many wondering how much of the original magic will carry over, and whether Leonardo DiCaprio will reprise his role as Rick Dalton.
Let’s break down everything we know so far about this exciting new project and why it’s one to watch closely.
Brad Pitt and David Fincher Team Up Again
The collaboration between Brad Pitt and David Fincher has already yielded some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. From Se7en to Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the pair has built a solid cinematic partnership. This new project will see them reunite, much to the delight of fans, especially after the success of their previous ventures.
Interestingly, this film will not be a direct sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood but rather a derivative work that draws inspiration from it. Pitt’s role as Cliff Booth will be central to the story, but the plot will differ in tone and direction from the original film, offering a fresh take on the Once Upon a Time universe.
This project’s direction under Fincher’s expertise promises to blend psychological depth with intense, gripping storytelling—much like his previous works.
What We Know About the Script and the Netflix Deal
The script for this new film comes from none other than Quentin Tarantino, who penned the original Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, Tarantino will not be directing this time. Instead, the film will be helmed by David Fincher, known for his sharp direction and mastery of tension-filled stories.
This Netflix-backed project is already generating buzz, especially considering the platform’s commitment to innovative content. Given that Tarantino is involved in creating the story, we can expect sharp dialogue, intricate characters, and the kind of bold storytelling he’s known for.
The Netflix deal marks a significant shift in where major Hollywood projects are being housed. With Fincher’s first-look movie deal with the streaming giant, this marks a great opportunity for Netflix to further solidify its position in the market, creating high-quality content that pulls in global audiences.
Brad Pitt’s Involvement and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Potential Role
It’s no surprise that Brad Pitt is on board for this project—after all, his portrayal of Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood earned him multiple accolades, including an Academy Award. He has already expressed excitement over revisiting his character, especially given how deeply the role resonated with him.
Leonardo DiCaprio, on the other hand, is still in talks about reprising his role as the down-on-his-luck actor Rick Dalton. DiCaprio’s involvement, though uncertain, remains a possibility, as he’s reportedly mulling over other projects, including a Martin Scorsese film and a role in an Evel Knievel biopic for Paramount.
For fans, the potential return of DiCaprio and Pitt as the dynamic duo is a tantalising prospect. Their chemistry in the original film was electric, and it’s clear that their partnership could form the heart of this new project.
Not a Sequel, But a Unique Follow-Up
Although this film is being marketed as a derivative rather than a sequel, it’s important to understand what that means in practical terms. The movie will take inspiration from the events and characters introduced in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but it won’t continue the exact storyline or follow the same plot trajectory. This allows the film to maintain a degree of creative freedom while still tapping into the established fanbase of the original film.
What we can expect from this derivative project is a fresh perspective on the world Tarantino created—a chance to explore the 1960s Hollywood scene from a new angle. Fans will likely see some familiar faces, including Cliff Booth, but with a new narrative arc and potentially new characters who add complexity to the existing story.
Why This Film Matters for the Industry
This project also has significant implications for the film industry. The blending of Tarantino’s writing, Fincher’s direction, and Netflix’s investment represents the future of cinematic collaboration. With the rise of streaming services, traditional studio models are being disrupted, and Netflix is capitalising on this shift by backing high-profile films like this one. The result is a thrilling mix of traditional filmmaking and new-age distribution, setting the stage for a wave of similar projects in the future.
Additionally, the fact that David Fincher will be stepping in to direct after Tarantino’s involvement shows that Hollywood is more willing than ever to hand over creative reins to talented directors from outside the original team. This opens the door for even more creative, boundary-pushing films in the years to come.
What’s Next for This Project?
As the film is still in its early stages, there’s much we don’t know. However, sources suggest that production could begin as early as late summer, depending on schedules and availability of key players like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. It remains unclear how large of a role DiCaprio will play, but one thing is for certain—his presence would be a massive draw for fans and critics alike.
Whether you’re a fan of Tarantino’s storytelling, Fincher’s suspense, or simply a Brad Pitt enthusiast, this new project promises to be an exciting chapter in the story of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. As more details emerge, expect the buzz surrounding this derivative to only grow louder.
Conclusion: Why You Should Be Excited
This project is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, blending iconic Hollywood characters with new creative vision and the unmatched talents of David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, and Brad Pitt. Whether or not Leonardo DiCaprio joins the project, it’s clear that this will be a must-watch for any fan of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
As production ramps up and more details are revealed, keep your eyes peeled for this thrilling new chapter from Hollywood’s finest. The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood universe may not be finished yet.
Photo credit: The Hollywood Reporter
