Few Hollywood characters have earned a second act the way Cliff Booth has. Brad Pitt’s laid-back stuntman was the quiet heart of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and now he’s back in a film that promises a much darker, grittier ride. At Ultimate Fandom, we’ve been tracking every update, and with the trailer finally out, there’s plenty to unpack. This guide covers the cast, the story, the creative team, and exactly when you can watch it.
Watch this Movie Trailer Below:
The Return of a Fan-Favorite Fixer
The film is a standalone sequel and spin-off to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino. That pairing alone has fans buzzing. Tarantino’s sharp, dialogue-heavy storytelling meets Fincher’s cold, meticulous visual style, and the combination feels both unexpected and perfect.
Pitt approached Fincher to direct, having worked with him on Seven, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Pitt also produces through his company Plan B Entertainment, so this is clearly a passion project for him. The film was previously known by the working title The Adventures of Cliff Booth, but the official title was confirmed in late August.
Who’s in the Cast
Pitt leads, and he’s surrounded by a strong ensemble. Here’s who’s confirmed:
- Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth
- Elizabeth Debicki as talent agent Karen Crosby
- Scott Caan as TV megastar Charlie Peters
- Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Peter Weller in key supporting roles
- Timothy Olyphant, reprising his role as Western actor James Stacy
- Matt Groove and JB Tadena as the mysterious Verdusco brothers
- Corey Fogelmanis, Karren Karagulian and Holt McCallany rounding out the ensemble
One name is conspicuously missing from the trailer. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton doesn’t appear in the footage, and the trailer even takes a playful jab at the character. Whether Rick shows up in the finished film remains a mystery, and it’s a hot topic among the community at Ultimate Fandom.
What Is the Plot About
The story jumps ahead in time. It’s now 1977, eight years after Cliff’s run-in with the Manson family, and Los Angeles no longer needs a hippie-slaying stuntman. Hollywood has changed, and so has Cliff. He’s now a bartender, projectionist and fixer, mixed up in vintage 1970s shenanigans.
The setup begins when Cliff gets a call from agent Karen Crosby on behalf of her client Charlie Peters, a TV star known for doing his own stunts. From there, Cliff meets Charlie’s wife Toni and a pro football champion turned screen star nicknamed “Hot Rod” Harrison. Then there are the Verdusco brothers, gangsters causing chaos across the city.
Netflix’s official teaser sums up the mood in four words: murder, blackmail, theft and extortion. The fairy-tale glow of the first film is gone, replaced by a sleazier, more dangerous version of Tinseltown. Cliff’s talent for “fixing” things is now more useful than his stunt work, which pulls him into one precarious situation after another.
The Creative Team Behind the Camera
Fincher has assembled his trusted collaborators. Erik Messerschmidt serves as director of photography, Donald Graham Burt as production designer, and Kirk Baxter as editor, with Trish Summerville designing costumes. Fans of Mank and The Killer know what that means: moody lighting, obsessive detail, and immaculate framing.
The first stills back this up. They show sickly yellows, deep shadows, neon signs cutting through darkness, vintage projectors, old cinema marquees and the glowing Astro Burger sign. There’s also a wild mud-wrestling match in a crowded dive bar, Cliff casually handling a shotgun, and shadowy figures creeping up staircases. The film is being presented in IMAX, which makes the theatrical run especially appealing.
Production and Budget
Netflix acquired Tarantino’s script in April 2025, and casting began the following month. Principal photography ran in Los Angeles from July 2025 to January 2026. With a reported budget of $200 million, it’s the most expensive film for both Tarantino and Fincher. That’s a serious investment, and it signals how much confidence Netflix has in this project.
The film also continues Fincher’s long relationship with the streamer, following Mank, The Killer and the series Mindhunter. Having a filmmaker of his caliber deliver another big Netflix event is a win for the platform and for viewers.
Release Date: Where and When to Watch
Mark these two dates on your calendar:
- November 25, 2026: the film opens in IMAX theaters worldwide for a two-week exclusive engagement.
- December 23, 2026: the film arrives on Netflix, just in time for the holidays.
That gives viewers two very different ways to experience it: the big-screen spectacle first, then a cozy holiday-season stream. If you have an IMAX theater nearby, the theatrical window is short, so plan ahead and book early.
What the Trailer Tells Us
The trailer features longer hair, a Led Zeppelin track, mud-wrestling scenes, handlebar mustaches and classic cars. It leans heavily into 1970s texture while hinting that Cliff is in over his head. The tone looks like a blend of noir, crime thriller and dark comedy, which fits both filmmakers perfectly.
For anyone who loved the slow-burn hangout feel of the original, expect something tighter and more plot-driven this time. Ultimate Fandom will keep breaking down new footage, theories and interviews as they arrive, so check back often. Fans who want to discuss every detail will also find an active community at Ultimate Fandom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this film a direct sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?
Yes, it’s a standalone sequel and spin-off. It follows Cliff Booth eight years later, so you can technically enjoy it on its own, but watching the first film adds valuable context and callbacks.
Who is directing and writing the movie?
David Fincher directs, working from a new screenplay by Quentin Tarantino. This is the first time the two have collaborated, and it’s a major reason the project has generated so much excitement.
When can I watch it?
The film opens in IMAX theaters on November 25, 2026, for two weeks, then streams on Netflix starting December 23, 2026.
Will Leonardo DiCaprio return as Rick Dalton?
Nothing has been confirmed. DiCaprio isn’t in the trailer or the announced cast list, though the trailer does reference his character, so fans are still speculating.
Where is the story set, and what is it about?
The story takes place in Los Angeles in 1977. Cliff, now a fixer, gets pulled into a web of crime involving a TV star, his entourage, and a pair of dangerous gangsters.
