Quentin Tarantino has opened up about his choice to abandon The Movie Critic, a film once slated to be his final directorial effort. The filmmaker revealed this decision amid delays caused by ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes, clarifying his reasons during a recent podcast appearance.
Initial plans and evolving creative doubts
Reports from April indicated Tarantino had reconsidered making The Movie Critic after extensive script rewrites and strike-related production halts. Though originally intended as an eight-part series, Tarantino transformed it into a feature-length screenplay. Despite his satisfaction with the script, he admitted excitement waned as pre-production neared. On The Church of Tarantino podcast, the acclaimed director explained this shift in enthusiasm influenced his eventual decision.
A challenge to make an uninteresting subject compelling
Tarantino described the project as a personal challenge to turn what he considered
“the most boring profession in the world”
—that of a movie critic—into an engaging film. He reflected on the unique difficulty of this idea, stating,
“There was a challenge that I gave to myself when I did it…. Can I take the most boring profession in the world and make it an interesting movie? Every Tarantino title promises so much, except ‘The Movie…” — Quentin Tarantino, filmmaker
However, despite liking the concept, Tarantino doubted the project’s broader appeal, noting the skepticism audiences might have for a story centered on a film critic. He questioned the potential interest in such a title, saying,
“Who wants to see a TV show about a fucking movie critic? Who wants to see a movie called The Movie Critic? If I can actually make a movie or a TV show about somebody who watches movies interesting, that is an accomplishment.” — Quentin Tarantino, filmmaker
Reasons for shelving the film and rumors addressed
Tarantino elaborated that while the screenplay was ready and could be filmed at any time, it still did not feel right. He explained his final choice to halt the project as somewhat unusual but necessary. Reflecting on the process, he said,
“No one’s waiting for this thing, per se. I mean, I can do it whenever I want, it’s already written, so OK, let me just not start it right now, let me try writing it as a movie and let me see if it’s better that way. And I was like, ‘Oh, OK, no, I think this is going to be the movie.’ And then it wasn’t. I pulled the plug on it. And the reason I pulled the plug, it’s a little crazy.” — Quentin Tarantino, filmmaker
Alongside his withdrawal from The Movie Critic, he addressed circulating rumors that Brad Pitt’s character Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood would appear as part of this film. Tarantino firmly denied these claims, clarifying,
“It’s a spiritual sequel to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood insofar as they take place in the same world and they take place in the same town, but there were no crossover characters. Cliff Booth was never in The Movie Critic. That’s all a bunch of bullshit. That never was the case ever, ever, ever.” — Quentin Tarantino, filmmaker
Context of Tarantino’s filmmaking career and retirement plans
Quentin Tarantino has stated his intent to retire after completing a tenth film, marking the end of an illustrious directing career. His debut came in 1992 with Reservoir Dogs, followed by the iconic 1994 film Pulp Fiction, which won the Palme d’Or. Over the years, he directed titles such as Jackie Brown, the combined volumes of Kill Bill, Death Proof, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
What the future holds after shelving ‘The Movie Critic’
With The Movie Critic set aside, Tarantino hinted at focusing on a new project destined to become his final film. The move underscores his careful deliberation over his concluding cinematic statement, ensuring it aligns with his creative vision and passion. Given his track record, expectations remain high for his tenth and ultimate movie, which will close out one of modern cinema’s most influential careers.
