Fincher’s ‘Cliff Booth’ Sequel Trailer Sparks Backlash Over Dark Cinematography

Key points

• Brad Pitt reprises his Oscar-winning role as stuntman Cliff Booth in the sequel to 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.'
• The film is set in 1977, eight years after the original, with Booth working as a 'studio fixer' rather than a stuntman.
• David Fincher directs the film based on a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, who is also a producer.
• The movie will have a two-week IMAX theatrical run starting November 25, 2026, before releasing on Netflix on December 23, 2026.
• The cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Peter Weller.
• Timothy Olyphant returns as James Stacy, while Leonardo DiCaprio does not return as Rick Dalton.

Background

This story follows the announcement in August 2026 that Brad Pitt would return as Cliff Booth in a sequel directed by David Fincher. Earlier coverage in September 2026 confirmed the release dates and the general premise of the film set in 1977. The current development is the release of the first trailer and the subsequent public reaction to its visual style.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews highlights the widespread criticism of the trailer's 'murky' appearance, noting that fans are squinting to see the action and comparing the lighting unfavorably to Fincher’s previous films like 'Zodiac' and 'Gone Girl.' They suggest the dark look may be due to Fincher’s trademark palette or Netflix’s standardized 'content' aesthetic. IndieWire provides a detailed synopsis, emphasizing the shift from a 'fairytale' to a 'crime story' and listing the full cast, including Matt Groove and JB Tadena as the Verdusco brothers. Variety notes that Leonardo DiCaprio does not return as Rick Dalton, but Timothy Olyphant reprises his role as James Stacy. Variety also includes Tarantino’s comments from a 2025 podcast, where he explained why he would not direct the sequel, citing a desire to avoid repeating his own work. Boing Boing offers a more lighthearted take, noting Tarantino’s willingness to write a sequel despite his usual aversion to them, and speculating on the potential for action and romance in the film. All sources agree on the basic facts of the film's release, cast, and setting, but differ in their emphasis on the visual style and the creative decisions behind it.

Why it matters

The backlash against the trailer's dark cinematography highlights ongoing debates in the film industry about the visual aesthetics of streaming content and the impact of directorial styles on audience expectations. It also underscores the significance of Tarantino's decision to write but not direct a sequel, and the trust he places in Fincher to adapt his work. The film's release strategy, with a limited theatrical run before a Netflix debut, reflects the evolving landscape of film distribution.

What to watch

The film is scheduled to premiere in IMAX theaters on November 25, 2026, for a two-week engagement, followed by its release on Netflix on December 23, 2026. The public's reaction to the trailer's visual style may influence audience expectations and critical reception upon release.