The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth: Everything We Know So Far
Quentin Tarantino has announced that he will only direct ten feature films before retiring from that aspect of his career. Initially, his tenth and final film was rumored to be "The Movie Critic," reuniting him with Brad Pitt as stuntman Cliff Booth from "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." However, Tarantino decided to abandon the project, leading Pitt to convince him to allow another director to bring the script to life. Pitt has teamed up with director David Fincher for the film, potentially titled "The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth." Here's a compilation of everything we currently know about the project.
Tarantino had been developing the script for "The Movie Critic" in 2023, setting the story in 1977 California. The film was inspired by a real-life movie critic who wrote reviews for a porno magazine. The character's reviews were known for their humor, cynicism, and controversial language. Tarantino was considering actors like Paul Walter Hauser and Shane Gillis for the lead role, with Olivia Wilde and David Krumholtz also in talks. Brad Pitt was the only confirmed actor, rumored to reprise his role as Cliff Booth, possibly taking on the movie critic persona. The project secured California tax credits but was ultimately shelved by Tarantino.
After the cancellation of "The Movie Critic," Brad Pitt and David Fincher announced a new collaboration for a Netflix movie, potentially featuring Pitt as Cliff Booth in a sequel or derivative of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Leonardo DiCaprio was also rumored to reprise his role as Rick Dalton. Tarantino granted permission for another director to take on the project, leading to Fincher's involvement. The film, now possibly titled "The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth," is set to start filming in California with a budget of $200 million.
The story of "The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth" is set in 1977 California, following Cliff's transition from stunt work to a Hollywood fixer. If DiCaprio appears as Rick Dalton, his role is expected to be brief. Tarantino has established a continuity where Cliff dies in the '90s, while Rick passes away more recently. The film may introduce two key female characters, one running a bar and mud wrestling establishment, and the other as a trophy wife. Additionally, a character inspired by Jim Brown, the football player turned actor, will be featured. The cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Carla Gugino in undisclosed roles.
Filming for "The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth" began in July in California and is scheduled to conclude by mid-January. Spy photos from the set show Brad Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth. The production started at the New Beverly Cinema, owned by Tarantino. As the project progresses, more details about the film and its characters are expected to emerge, offering fans a glimpse into the next chapter of Cliff Booth's story.