David Fincher is set to direct a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Quentin Tarantino penning the script for the follow-up to his Academy Award-winning film. The project, confirmed by Variety, does not yet have an official title but is being developed at Netflix, where Fincher holds a first-look deal. Brad Pitt will reprise his role as Cliff Booth, the stuntman with a dark past.
The film marks a particularly unique collaboration, not only due to one renowned filmmaker directing a sequel to another’s work but also because of its transition from theatrical release to a streaming platform. The original Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was released in 2019 by Sony Pictures, but Tarantino had negotiated a deal that would grant him ownership of the film’s underlying rights after a set period. The fact that this sequel is being developed under Fincher’s Netflix agreement suggests that Tarantino may already hold the sequel rights privately.
A shift from theatrical to streaming
The decision to produce the sequel at Netflix is especially notable given that news of the project emerged during CinemaCon, the annual convention of the movie theatre industry in Las Vegas. The transition from a major studio release to a streaming platform highlights the evolving landscape of Hollywood distribution and the increasing dominance of streaming services in high-profile film productions.
The scrapping of The Movie Critic
This new project comes in the wake of Tarantino abandoning what was expected to be his tenth and supposedly final film, The Movie Critic. A script had been completed, with Pitt set to star in the lead role. The story was said to take place in the 1970s and focus on a film critic who wrote for a pornographic magazine. Speculation suggested that Pitt’s character in The Movie Critic could have been a version of Cliff Booth, a theory reinforced by Tarantino’s novelisation of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which revealed Booth as an avid film enthusiast. Now, Pitt’s return as Booth is official.
Pitt and Fincher reunited
This sequel will reunite Pitt with Fincher, with whom he has worked on several critically acclaimed projects. The pair have previously collaborated on Se7en, the cult classic Fight Club, and the Oscar-nominated The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Given their past success, anticipation for this latest collaboration is high.
While Pitt’s return is confirmed, it remains uncertain whether Leonardo DiCaprio or Margot Robbie will reprise their roles. The storyline of the sequel and its connection to the original film remain under wraps.
Tarantino as a screenwriter
Although Tarantino is best known for directing his own screenplays, he has previously written scripts for films directed by others, including True Romance (directed by Tony Scott) and From Dusk till Dawn (directed by Robert Rodriguez). This sequel will follow in that tradition, making it one of the rare occasions where Tarantino hands over directorial duties to another filmmaker.
Fincher, on the other hand, has already established a working relationship with Netflix, having directed two features for the streaming giant—Mank, a period drama set in Hollywood, and The Killer, a violent thriller. Both films share thematic elements with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, making Fincher an intriguing choice to helm its sequel.
The project was first reported by The Playlist. Netflix has yet to issue an official comment regarding the film.
With Fincher’s meticulous directorial style, Tarantino’s sharp writing, and Pitt’s proven portrayal of Cliff Booth, this sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated film projects in recent years. Fans of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and cinephiles alike will be eager to see what this powerhouse collaboration brings to the screen.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.