Fincher, Pitt Reteam for Netflix's New 'Hollywood' Film

Reports indicate that David Fincher and Brad Pitt are reuniting to bring to life a sequel script for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, originally penned by director Quentin Tarantino.

According to The Playlist, this potential landmark addition to Tarantino's filmography is being shepherded by the Se7en duo, with Netflix slated to distribute—continuing Fincher's longstanding partnership with the streamer. If plans proceed, the currently untitled sequel would feature Pitt reprising his role as stunt double Cliff Booth.

The story of how Fincher acquired the script is equally intriguing. The screenplay is reportedly an evolved iteration of a project formerly known as The Movie Critic, initially intended as Tarantino's final movie before it was abruptly shelved last year. Rather than let the concept vanish, Tarantino has enlisted Fincher to realize it.

Sources told The Playlist that Netflix paid $20 million for the script and has allocated a $200 million budget, with filming in California expected to begin in July—just three months away. While no further casting has been confirmed, Leonardo DiCaprio is not anticipated to return as Rick Dalton. Both Fincher and Pitt are reportedly prioritizing this sequel over other commitments.

Deadline has since verified The Playlist's reporting, noting that Pitt secured Tarantino’s approval to pitch the script to Fincher, leading to the unexpected project now in development.

Quentin Tarantino's Most Notable Abandoned (Or Delayed) Projects

14 Images

Released in 2019, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is widely regarded as another standout in Tarantino’s celebrated filmography. A sequel—tentatively referred to as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2—therefore faces high expectations. The original concluded definitively, wrapping its narrative in characteristically bold fashion. Still, facets of its universe have since been explored in other media.

In 2021, Tarantino released a novelization that revisited the film’s events while enriching its depiction of 1960s California. The book unveiled new insights into Cliff Booth’s backstory, even addressing the lingering question of whether the dog lover truly killed his wife, as hinted in the movie. This added context will likely resonate more once the sequel arrives, though its direct relevance to the new story remains uncertain.

For further exploration of Tarantino's celebrated works, check out the director’s own perspective on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and our analysis of how it compares to his other films. You can also revisit our original 7.8/10 review of the movie.