Quentin Tarantino, primarily celebrated for his acclaimed directing and screenwriting, is stepping back in front of the camera with a new acting role after decades. Known for his Oscar-winning scripts and occasional on-screen appearances, Tarantino’s latest project, Only What We Carry, marks his most substantial acting role since his notable performance in From Dusk Till Dawn alongside George Clooney.
A Closer Look at Tarantino’s Upcoming Acting Project
Tarantino stars in Only What We Carry, a film that recently wrapped production in France. The movie features a strong ensemble cast including Simon Pegg, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sofia Boutella, and Tarantino himself. The story centers on Julian Johns, played by Pegg, a formidable former instructor whose past resurfaces when his ex-student Charlotte Levant, portrayed by Boutella, returns. Tarantino takes on the role of John Percy, Julian’s close friend, creating a dynamic that explores complex relationships and lingering histories.
Additional Insights Into Tarantino’s Current Projects
Alongside his acting return, Tarantino continues advancing his screenwriting with The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a follow-up to his hit Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Directed by David Fincher and crafted from Tarantino’s script, this film aims for a summer 2026 premiere, though no official release date has been announced. Fincher’s involvement, with his multiple Oscar nominations, raises expectations for this collaboration, hinting at a project that could attract significant critical acclaim.
Anticipating a Crucial Year for Tarantino’s Career
While Only What We Carry has no confirmed release date yet, its brief six-day shoot under director Jamie Adams suggests post-production is underway and that a 2026 debut, potentially through film festivals, is likely. This film offers fans a rare opportunity to witness Tarantino’s acting prowess decades after From Dusk Till Dawn. However, The Adventures of Cliff Booth is expected to dominate attention due to its ties to Tarantino’s celebrated filmmaking legacy and the Oscar potential it carries.
Beyond these projects, fans eagerly await news about Tarantino’s final directing effort, which he has promised will be his tenth and last film. His plans include a family-oriented approach, waiting for his son to have memories on set as part of the experience. Though initially considering a movie titled The Movie Critic, Tarantino scrapped it because it resembled Once Upon a Time in Hollywood too closely. Details remain scarce, but anticipation is high for whatever story he chooses to close his directing career.
The Promise Behind Only What We Carry Despite Its Modest Profile
Though less high-profile than The Adventures of Cliff Booth, Only What We Carry is nevertheless a compelling curiosity for fans, thanks in part to its notable cast and the fresh challenge it presents to Tarantino’s acting. Jamie Adams, the director, has had mixed success with past films, yet this new work’s prominent lineup hints at something special. Additionally, with Simon Pegg and Sofia Boutella involved—actors connected to the Star Trek universe—there is speculation this could reignite conversations around Tarantino’s formerly discussed Star Trek movie project.
What Lies Ahead for Quentin Tarantino and His Audience
Quentin Tarantino’s return to acting, especially in a role as significant as John Percy, represents a notable moment in his diverse entertainment career. For fans, the chance to see his renewed focus on performing two decades after From Dusk Till Dawn builds excitement and curiosity. Meanwhile, his writing and directing work continues to generate buzz, with projects that could secure further accolades and mark an end to his directorial vision. As 2026 approaches, observers will closely watch how these films are received and what Tarantino reveals next about his plans.
“once-formidable instructor whose former student Charlotte Levant (Boutella) returns home to face the ghosts of her past.”
