Netflix and AMC Theatres have tentatively planned a theatrical release for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, the long-anticipated sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, for the summer of 2026. Brad Pitt will reprise his Oscar-winning role as stuntman Cliff Booth, continuing the story from the original film in which he co-starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. This release strategy aims to capitalize on the popular appeal of the Brad Pitt Cliff Booth character while avoiding competition with Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia scheduled for November 2026.
Netflix and AMC Collaborate to Expand Film Distribution
Following a history of differing views on theatrical runs, Netflix and AMC Theatres have recently found common ground, allowing for more extensive theatrical showings of Netflix’s projects. AMC confirmed it will screen KPop Demon Hunters over Halloween weekend and the Stranger Things finale, signaling a thaw in previous disagreements. Though Netflix has released films like A House of Dynamite and Frankenstein in theaters this year without AMC’s participation, the streamer is now considering a broader theatrical rollout to enhance audience reach for high-profile titles such as The Adventures of Cliff Booth.
Netflix’s usual strategy involves short theatrical windows primarily to meet Oscar eligibility requirements while prioritizing streaming premieres. However, with The Adventures of Cliff Booth, the platform appears to be aiming for a genuine theatrical success that can also generate awards buzz, hoping to replicate or even surpass the accolades received by its predecessor.
Sequel’s Plot and Creative Team Details
The plot for The Adventures of Cliff Booth remains largely under wraps, but insiders have confirmed it will pick up eight years after the events depicted in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. David Fincher is taking over directing duties from Tarantino, who nonetheless remains attached as the screenplay writer. This shift in the creative team introduces fresh direction while maintaining a strong narrative link to the original film.
The cast includes returning star Brad Pitt alongside Timothy Olyphant, Elizabeth Debicki, Carla Gugino, J.E. Burton, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Scott Caan. While Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton was a major presence in the first movie, the sequel centers more firmly on Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, continuing the journey of this beloved character in the changing landscape of Hollywood.
A Look Back and Market Expectations
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, set in 1969 Los Angeles during the height of the hippie era, portrayed the challenges of aging Hollywood actors Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth navigating a transforming industry and their personal struggles. The original film was a commercial success, earning $392 million worldwide on a $90 million budget and securing 10 Oscar nominations, including a Best Actor win for Pitt.
Despite these achievements, The Adventures of Cliff Booth faces a different cinematic environment, particularly with the delayed theatrical returns following the pandemic and evolving viewer habits favoring streaming platforms. The sequel’s $200 million budget reflects Netflix’s high expectations for the film to perform as a blockbuster during its summer release, leveraging its sequel status and star power to attract broad audiences in theaters while positioning for accolades.
Impact and Outlook for The Adventures of Cliff Booth
The release of The Adventures of Cliff Booth will test Netflix and AMC’s renewed partnership in film distribution, potentially setting a precedent for the streaming service’s future theatrical projects. The film combines a celebrated lead, a respected creative team, and franchise familiarity to foster cautious optimism among fans and industry watchers alike.
As the summer of 2026 approaches, viewers can anticipate a significant cinematic event that not only continues the story of a compelling character but also represents a milestone in how high-profile streaming releases find their place in traditional theaters, possibly reshaping release strategies for upcoming films.
