Renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has made the bold decision to direct only ten feature films before retiring from his illustrious career in cinema. For an entire year, there were whispers that his tenth and final project would be titled The Movie Critic, which promised a reunion with Brad Pitt, who would reprise his iconic role as stuntman Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, in a surprising turn of events, Tarantino ultimately decided to abandon this project. Understandably, Pitt, who earned an Oscar for his portrayal of Cliff Booth, was disappointed by the cancellation. In a remarkable twist, he managed to persuade Tarantino to allow another director to bring the script of The Movie Critic to life! Pitt has since collaborated with renowned director David Fincher on what may now be titled The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth. Below, we present a comprehensive overview of Everything We Know About The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth!

Exploring the Concept of The Movie Critic

To fully understand the details surrounding this exciting project, we need to revisit the period when Tarantino was first discussing The Movie Critic as his final cinematic endeavor. Throughout 2023, he diligently worked on the script and disclosed that the narrative would unfold in California during the year 1977. In a conversation with Baz Bamigboye from Deadline, he described the storyline as “inspired by a real individual who, while not widely known, wrote movie reviews for a pornographic magazine.” Tarantino first encountered these intriguing reviews in his teenage years while working a job that involved stocking adult magazines in vending machines. “While most of the content was too scandalous for me, there was this particular magazine with a fascinating movie section. The writer focused on mainstream films and served as the secondary critic. I believe he was quite skilled, marked by a cynical humor that was reminiscent of early Howard Stern and what Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver might sound like if he were critiquing films. Imagine the insights from Travis’s diary entries. This critic was not only humorous but also quite irreverent, often using strong language and racial slurs. His writing style was audacious, suggesting he was much older than his actual age, as he was only in his early thirties when he passed away, reportedly due to complications from alcoholism.” In the movie, the fictional “porno rag” that the character contributes to would be titled The Popstar Pages.

Initially, Tarantino sought to cast an actor around the age of 35 to play the role of the movie critic, potentially named Jim Sheldon. Speculation arose that actors Paul Walter Hauser and comedian Shane Gillis were in contention for this role. While details about other characters remained scarce, actors David Krumholtz and Olivia Wilde were rumored to be in the mix for parts, with Wilde even meeting Tarantino personally to discuss the film. Additionally, there was buzz about Tom Cruise potentially making a cameo or small role in the film, although discussions between Cruise and Tarantino never materialized. It was also suggested that John Travolta, a star from Pulp Fiction, would have a part in the film.

The only confirmed actor to join the cast was Brad Pitt. When he signed on, rumors circulated that he would not only reprise his role as Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but that Cliff might also serve as the film’s titular movie critic. This change likely emerged during the script’s revisions. For those familiar with the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood novelization, it’s easy to envision Cliff one day sharing his cinematic thoughts in writing. The connection between this new film and Tarantino’s previous work was not unexpected, especially considering his remarks from 2019: “If you consider the idea that all my films tell a single story, with each one representing a train boxcar linked to the others, then this film (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) would essentially be the climactic moment. I can envision my tenth film serving as a sort of epilogue.”

The project advanced to the point of securing an impressive $20,213,000 in California tax credits. Tarantino expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Filming in California is a dream come true. I began my directing career here, and it’s only fitting that I conclude my cinematic journey in the heart of the film industry. There’s nothing quite like shooting in my hometown, where the film crews are the best I’ve worked with, and the locations are exceptional. My producers and I are ecstatic to be creating film #10 in Los Angeles.” However, shortly after this announcement, Tarantino decided to step away from the project. Reports indicated that he had simply “changed his mind” about pursuing this film and had become more excited about different ideas. Since he is committed to only making ten films, he felt unable to create this one and then transition to an eleventh.

Following the cancellation of The Movie Critic, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Tarantino had contemplated using this project to bid farewell to his earlier films, all set within the same timeframe as The Movie Critic. “This approach would allow Tarantino to bring back some of the stars from his earlier works to reprise their iconic roles in ‘movie within a movie’ sequences or portray fictional versions of themselves as the actors who originally played those characters.” There was also an idea for some characters to interact with a 16-year-old Tarantino, who once worked as an usher at an adult theater.

The Collaboration with David Fincher

In April 2024, Tarantino officially scrapped The Movie Critic, seemingly bringing the project to a close. However, in March 2025, WorldofReel reported that Brad Pitt and his acclaimed director from Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, David Fincher, were exploring a reunion for a new project on Netflix. On April 1st, it became public knowledge that Pitt would reprise his role as Cliff Booth for a sequel or derivative film stemming from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Fincher set to direct. Additionally, insider Jeff Sneider revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio was also in discussions to return as Booth’s actor friend, Rick Dalton. Pitt was particularly invested in the character of Cliff Booth from the Movie Critic script and requested Tarantino’s permission to allow someone else to take the reins. Tarantino indicated that it would depend on who the director was, paving the way for Fincher’s involvement with Tarantino’s endorsement.

By the time news broke, the project was already in development at the Netflix streaming platform, where Fincher has cultivated a strong working relationship. It was confirmed that filming was set to begin in California in July, with a substantial budget of $200 million allocated for production.

Industry insider Mike Fleming Jr. from Deadline mentioned that the title might have shifted from The Movie Critic to The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth.

Unveiling the Storyline of The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth

While we know the story is set in 1977 California and revolves around film critiques penned for a pornographic magazine, specific plot details about The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth remain scarce. This timeframe allows us to reconnect with Cliff Booth eight years after the events of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, during which he is said to have retired from his career as a stunt performer and is now embarking on a new path as a Hollywood fixer.

If Leonardo DiCaprio indeed makes a cameo as Rick Dalton, it’s likely to be brief. However, fans need not despair, as 1977 does not mark the conclusion of Cliff and Rick’s narrative. Tarantino has crafted a continuity where Booth met his demise in the 1990s, while Rick passed away only recently. On his podcast, Tarantino mentioned that in the 1980s, Dalton starred in a series of action films for Cannon Pictures titled The Fireman, with Booth directing the sequels for his friend. This intriguing subplot could potentially be explored in future installments, unless The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth opts to advance to the 1980s after revealing its 1977 storyline.

Reportedly, the narrative will introduce two significant female characters: one who operates a bar and mud wrestling venue, and the other who embodies the role of a trophy wife. Another character is believed to be inspired by Jim Brown, the legendary football player who transitioned to acting after an early retirement, featuring in films such as The Dirty Dozen.

Star-Studded Cast of The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth

Currently, we know that Brad Pitt will be joined by an impressive cast, including Elizabeth Debicki from MaXXXine, Scott Caan from Ocean’s 11, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Candyman, and Carla Gugino from Gerald’s Game. While character details remain under wraps, it is reasonable to speculate that Debicki and Gugino may take on the roles of the bar owner and trophy wife, respectively. Additionally, we know that Abdul-Mateen is set to portray the character inspired by Jim Brown.

Production Insights on The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth

Reports regarding the commencement of filming in California in July have proven accurate. As of this moment, The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth is officially in production, having kicked off on July 28. The filming is anticipated to conclude by mid-January. Excitingly, behind-the-scenes photos from the set have revealed Pitt in character as Cliff Booth on the first day of shooting: