Fincher to Direct 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' Spin-off, Set for IMAX Release in 2026

Netflix has officially released the first trailer for The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, a spin-off of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, this time directed by David Fincher. The trailer features Brad Pitt reprising his role as stuntman Cliff Booth, engaging in various violent actions while working odd jobs in the film industry. The footage immediately garnered attention for showcasing Quentin Tarantino's signature style, despite Fincher occupying the director's chair.

The story is set in 1977, eight years after the events of the first film. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood itself followed Cliff Booth's journey as he intersected with a notorious cult. In the new trailer, one of the most highlighted moments is a reference to a controversial scene from the previous film, where Cliff beats up Bruce Lee. That scene drew protests from Bruce Lee's family because the martial arts legend was depicted as an arrogant figure who suffered a decisive defeat. Tarantino spoke out at the time, stating Lee was indeed "somewhat arrogant," and recently came under fire again for criticizing Paul Dano, whom he deemed to have "ruined" There Will Be Blood.

David Fincher has been entrusted with directing this film, marking his third consecutive collaboration with Netflix. Meanwhile, Tarantino, who directed and wrote the first film, returns to pen the screenplay for this sequel. In an interview with Deadline, Brad Pitt revealed that Tarantino "didn't want to direct it," leading Fincher to step in. Tarantino's exact reasons have not been confirmed, but speculation points to his desire to uphold his "10-film rule"—his promise to retire after directing ten films. Technically, Tarantino has already reached that number, but by his own count, he considers Kill Bill as a single film divided into two volumes.

"Tarantino didn't want to direct it," Brad Pitt stated in an interview with Deadline, explaining why Fincher took over the director's chair.

In addition to Brad Pitt, the film also stars Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown), Scott Caan (Ocean's Eleven), Carla Gugino (Sin City, The Fall of the House of Usher), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Wonder Man), and several other notable names. This combination of cast members adds to the appeal for audiences anticipating the continuation of Cliff Booth's story.

For the Indonesian market, this exclusive IMAX and Netflix release has the potential to rekindle interest among premium cinema audiences. Although the release date is still two years away, the enthusiasm of Tarantino and Fincher fans in the country is typically high, especially in major cities with IMAX screens. However, the challenge lies in ensuring the global release schedule is not delayed, given that Hollywood film distribution in Indonesia often undergoes adjustments. If released simultaneously, this could be a significant moment for local cinemas to attract audiences back post-pandemic.

With a combination of big names both in front of and behind the camera, The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth is predicted to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. The question remains: will Fincher be able to deliver his signature touch without losing Tarantino's strong inherent DNA? Time will tell, but this trailer at least provides a glimpse that stylish violence and 1970s Hollywood nostalgia remain the primary selling points.