Fincher’s 'Cliff Booth' Sequel Trailer Reveals 1977 Crime Plot and Tarantino Novel

Key points

• The film is set in 1977, eight years after the original 1969 timeline, and features Brad Pitt’s character working as a 'studio fixer,' bartender, and projectionist.
• The trailer includes a joke where Cliff Booth states he no longer doubles for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character because 'Rick got too fat.'
• The movie carries a reported $200 million production budget and will have a two-week IMAX exclusive before its Netflix debut.
• Quentin Tarantino declined to direct the film to avoid it being his final project, instead handing the screenplay to David Fincher.
• A novel version of the story, titled 'The Adventures of Cliff Booth,' will be published by HarperCollins on December 8, 2026.

Background

The project was announced in 2024 as a follow-up to the 2019 hit 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' which won two Academy Awards, including one for Brad Pitt. The original film grossed over $400 million worldwide against a $90 million budget. This sequel marks the first time Tarantino has written a script for another director since 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' as he has expressed a desire to retire after completing ten films.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter emphasize the tonal shift in the trailer, highlighting the 'Tarantino-esque' violence and the comedic jab at Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. Deadline focuses on the commercial significance of the IMAX release and the reunion between Pitt and Fincher. Variety provides the unique perspective of the simultaneous release of a novel adaptation, noting that Tarantino chose not to direct to preserve his legacy of uncharted territory. All outlets agree on the release dates and the core premise of Booth as a 1970s fixer, but differ in their emphasis on the creative decision-making behind the directorial change.

Why it matters

The film represents a major commercial and creative event for Netflix, combining a high-budget theatrical release with a streaming debut. It also marks a significant moment for Quentin Tarantino, who is expanding his brand into literature while stepping away from the director’s chair for the first time in decades. The $200 million budget indicates a major investment in the franchise's continuation.

What to watch

The film will begin its two-week IMAX theatrical run on November 25, 2026. The novel 'The Adventures of Cliff Booth' will be released by HarperCollins on December 8, 2026, followed by the film's streaming debut on Netflix on December 23, 2026.