By Salma El-Sakka
Quentin Tarantino has explained his decision not to direct the upcoming "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" spinoff, "The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth," admitting he felt bad about disappointing star Brad Pitt.
Tarantino's Decision and Regret
Tarantino, 63, told Empire magazine that Pitt was the person he felt he was letting down by not directing the sequel. After writing the script, Tarantino opted out because he plans to direct only one more film, his tenth. He said he felt bad about leaving Pitt behind until David Fincher joined the project.
Fincher Takes the Helm
Fincher, who previously directed Pitt in "Seven," "Fight Club," and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," agreed to direct after Pitt approached him and expressed disappointment about not reprising Cliff Booth. Tarantino gave his permission for Fincher to read the script, and Tarantino described his reaction as surprise and delight that a director of Fincher's caliber would spend a year and a half on his material.
Release Details and Theater Dispute
The film is set in 1977, eight years after the original, and follows Pitt's character as a Hollywood fixer. It will debut in IMAX on November 25 before streaming on Netflix on December 23. Cinema chains Cinemark and Regal have declined to screen the movie due to the short theatrical window offered by Netflix.
Tarantino's Novelization Plans
Tarantino also announced he will publish a novelization titled "The Adventures of Cliff Booth," following his previous novelization of the original film.
