Is the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel not getting a theatrical release? Fincher’s Netflix deal, explored

Cliff Both is all set to return for the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel, according to the latest announcement at CinemaCon 2025. It seemed shocking for many reasons, mainly because it was revealed on April 1. However, Deadline has confirmed this sequel.

According to their report, Brad Pitt will reprise his role as Cliff Booth, which earned him his first acting Oscar in 2020. Quentin Tarantino will write the script and David Fincher will direct it for Netflix. It was supposed to be Tarantino's tenth and last directorial titled The Movie Critic. However, he is reportedly handing over the same script to Fincher and Netflix.

It seems particularly surprising since Tarantino has long been an advocate of shooting on film and appreciates its grainy, textural beauty. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood was also his love letter to a bygone era of Hollywood. He has often spoken passionately about the immersive big-screen experience.

So, it's unfortunate to see a follow-up to his tribute to cinema potentially heading to a digital streamer. The reason behind this shift is David Fincher's exclusive deal with Netflix. So, it might only be available to stream online. However, it's important to note that no specific details about its release have been revealed as of yet. So, it might get a limited theatrical release.

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Why the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel might not get a theatrical release?

Until now, David Fincher has worked on several key projects for Netflix, including House of Cards in its early days as a streamer. It led it to its present-day streaming glory. The director has since worked on a few other projects, including Mindhunter, a brooding investigative drama series, which was infamously canceled after two seasons. In addition to that, he directed Mank, starring Gary Oldman, and The Killer, starring Michael Fassbender.

All these projects were part of Fincher's exclusive deal with Netflix, which will now include the upcoming Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel. Although the specifics are yet unclear, Tarantino might have bought the rights for Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, from Sony Pictures, who released it in theaters in 2019. That may have paved the way to the streamer. Netflix's inclusion in this project makes it seem like a streaming-only release. However, that may change in the future.

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Why the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel might get a theatrical release? Speculations explored

The Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel will probably be available only on Netflix. However, it might get a theatrical release, albeit a limited one, for a few reasons. The key reason is Brad Pitt's inclusion in the sequel, which raises its star appeal. So, as a part of their Award Seasons strategy, the producers might bring it to the theaters to attract the Academy Award voters.

It may not benefit Fincher, considering his aforementioned Netflix deal. Still, Quentin Tarantino might be able to persuade him or the streamer. The two filmmakers have long admired each other's works. Despite not being a fan of digital format, Tarantino has called The Social Network "the best film of the decade." So, these factors might help the sequel get a theatrical release after all. Until then, we can only wait for a definitive update.