Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is getting a surprise sequel focused on Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth, but it has to include Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, too. Quentin Tarantino is known for his peculiar narrative and visual style, the generous doses of blood and violence in his movies, and for insisting he will retire after making 10 movies. While the world waits to see what Tarantino’s 10th and final movie will be, his ninth movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is now getting an expansion, but with a big twist.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood explores an alternate version of the 1960s, following actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stuntman and best friend, Cliff Booth. As Hollywood rapidly changes, Rick’s career and popularity begin to fade, and with that also Cliff’s career. However, their lives take a turn when Cliff meets members of Charles Manson’s family, and they end up involved in a potentially ᴅᴇᴀᴅly night. Now, to everyone’s surprise, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is getting a sequel focused on Cliff and without Tarantino directing, but it needs to bring Rick back, too.
Leonardo DiCaprio Is Not Confirmed To Be In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Sequel
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood’s Sequel Only Has Cliff Booth (So Far)
The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel isn’t exactly what most expected, and it certainly came as a big surprise. The sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood won’t be directed by Quentin Tarantino, and instead, it’s being reported that David Fincher will direct. On top of that, the sequel won’t have a theatrical release, as it has already been acquired by Netflix. The reports so far only mention Pitt’s involvement, but DiCaprio’s is unclear, with some saying he’s in talks to return as Rick Dalton.
Plot details for the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel are currently unknown, but according to The Playlist, which first shared the news, the script seems to be that of Tarantino’s scrapped 10th movie. тιтled The Movie Critic, it was going to follow an unnamed movie critic in the 1970s, inspired by a real-life critic Tarantino knew and who wrote for a porno magazine. The Movie Critic was said to feature Brad Pitt, though his role wasn’t revealed, and it was later reported that the story had morphed into one in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood universe.
From what has been revealed about The Movie Critic, Rick Dalton wasn’t part of the story, nor was DiCaprio involved in any capacity. Of course, now as a proper sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the story could include Rick without him being the main character, but for now, it’s only Cliff.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Sequel Can’t Ignore Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton
Rick & Cliff’s Stories Are Inevitably Linked
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood shares the spotlight between Cliff and Rick, and the story of one wouldn’t be the same without the other. Rick and Cliff’s careers are linked, and the success of one leads to the success of the other, which is also why, while Rick’s career declines, so does Cliff’s. Although by the end of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood their careers go on separate ways, it’s unlikely Cliff and Rick wouldn’t be close friends anymore after the events of the movie – especially after how they took Manson’s followers down together.
Even if the sequel focuses on Cliff and his career after that chaotic night with Manson’s people, it can’t ignore Rick and his fate.
The chemistry and dynamic between Cliff and Rick were key to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, as they complemented each other not only in their careers but as friends, too. Even if the sequel focuses on Cliff and his career after that chaotic night with Manson’s people, it can’t ignore Rick and his fate, and it would be weird if they don’t reunite, even if briefly, or have some interaction that shows they’re still close friends.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Sequel Plan Makes Leonardo DiCaprio’s Return Less Likely
Cliff Might Be On His Own This Time
With no plot details released for now and no hints of Rick Dalton’s return in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2, Leonardo DiCaprio’s return is unlikely, but it’s even more when looking at the known details. It’s not just that the movie is said to focus on Cliff, but also the fact that, at least for now, it’s set for a streaming release, skipping a theatrical one. DiCaprio hasn’t done a streaming-only movie so far, with Don’t Look Up and Killers of the Flower Moon starting in theaters and moving to streaming shortly after.
That alone could be a reason for DiCaprio skipping Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2, and there’s also the role he could have in the movie. With all the emphasis on the sequel being centered on Cliff, if Rick is included he would most likely have a small role, which isn’t something DiCaprio normally does. Of course, if the story appeals to him, DiCaprio could agree to reunite with Pitt despite these factors, making the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel feel more complete.
