David Fincher to revive ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ sequel for Netflix, Brad Pitt set to return as Cliff Booth

Brad Pitt stars as Cliff Booth in a still from ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’
| Photo Credit: Sony Pictures

Hollywood is buzzing with news that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is getting an unexpected sequel — without Quentin Tarantino at the helm. Instead, David Fincher will direct, with Brad Pitt reprising his Oscar-winning role as stuntman Cliff Booth, according to reports from The Playlist. The project, based on an abandoned Tarantino script, is set up at Netflix and is being fast-tracked for production this summer.

According to sources, Tarantino gave Pitt the green light to share the script with Fincher, who quickly signed on. While Tarantino has always directed his own material, he made an exception this time, ensuring the screenplay wouldn’t collect dust in a drawer. Netflix reportedly paid over $20 million for the rights and is backing the film with a massive $200 million budget.

The plot remains under wraps, but the script reportedly expands on Booth’s backstory, exploring his days as a decorated war hero and the darker aspects of his past. Fans of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood know Booth as Rick Dalton’s loyal stunt double and a man with a lethal streak — one who may or may not have killed his wife and who brutally dispatched members of the Manson Family. Tarantino’s novelisation of the film offered additional glimpses into Booth’s history, hinting at violent run-ins with mobsters and his love of classic cinema.

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While Pitt is locked in, Leonardo DiCaprio’s return as Rick Dalton is uncertain. A cameo might be possible, but insiders say this is a Booth-centric story. Margot Robbie has reportedly expressed interest in reprising her role as Sharon Tate. Additional casting is expected soon, with production set to begin in California this July.

Fincher, who has a longstanding relationship with Netflix, is putting other projects on hold for this film. His upcoming Squid Game spin-off and rumored Western Bitterroot are being delayed as he focuses on bringing Booth back to life.

This surprise sequel is a major shift for both Tarantino and Fincher. Known for his theatrical-first approach, Tarantino seems content to let Netflix handle this one while he prepares his final directorial project. Meanwhile, Fincher, who has collaborated with Pitt on Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is diving into a rare non-original script, albeit one penned by one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers.

With a fast-tracked schedule, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel could hit Netflix as early as 2026.