What initially seemed like an April Fool’s joke could soon be a big-screen spectacle. Brad Pitt is reportedly in negotiations to return as Cliff Booth in a new film written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by David Fincher, which is in place at Netflix.
Cliff Booth’s Story Might Not Be Over
The film, first reported by The Playlist, is described as an extension of the mythology of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood rather than a direct sequel. While representatives for Netflix and Tarantino haven’t commented publicly, insiders say the project could begin filming as soon as summer 2025.
This marks a potential return to the screen for Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, the mysterious and charismatic stuntman who earned him an Oscar in 2020.
A Tarantino Universe, Minus Tarantino Directing
Though Tarantino is writing the script, he won’t be directing the film, keeping intact his long-standing claim that he’ll only direct ten movies. This new project allows him to continue expanding his film universe without technically breaking that self-imposed rule.
Tarantino has previously developed Cliff Booth’s backstory in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood novel, revealing everything from his love for foreign arthouse cinema to his life after military service. Booth was also expected to feature heavily in The Movie Critic, the now-abandoned film Tarantino originally positioned as his final directorial work.
David Fincher Reunites with Brad Pitt
If the project moves ahead, it would mark another collaboration between Fincher and Pitt, a pairing behind some of modern cinema’s most acclaimed films. The two have previously worked together on Se7en (1995), Fight Club (1999), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitt received Tarantino’s blessing to bring the script to Fincher, who was intrigued by elements of The Movie Critic.
Though this project isn’t The Movie Critic in name, it may contain reworked material from that abandoned script.
Netflix’s Involvement and Possible Theatrical Release
Netflix is reportedly developing the film, though Tarantino himself is famously strict about theatrical-first releases and is unlikely to work directly with a streaming platform. However, David Fincher has an ongoing relationship with Netflix, where he has directed Mank and the acclaimed series Mindhunter.
Given the film’s high-profile talent, there’s speculation that Netflix might consider a limited theatrical rollout, much like it did for The Irishman and is planning for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia adaptation.
A Hollywood Mythology That Keeps Growing
While nothing is confirmed yet, the idea of Fincher directing Brad Pitt in a Tarantino-written Cliff Booth film has sparked major excitement, and for good reason. With the right pieces in place, this could easily become one of 2025’s most talked-about films.
