Leonardo DiCaprio has officially confirmed he will not be appearing in the Netflix sequel, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, despite rumors of a possible return. This news was revealed just as anticipation grows around the Leonardo DiCaprio Netflix sequel return, which has generated excitement and questions among fans and industry insiders alike.
DiCaprio Confirms His Absence from ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’
The sequel to Quentin Tarantino‘s acclaimed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is underway, but Leonardo DiCaprio will not reprise his role as Rick Dalton. In a recent interview with Deadline, DiCaprio acknowledged early speculation about his involvement but put all rumors to rest.
“There were some talks about it early on. Ultimately, I cannot wait to see the Cliff Booth story, but I’m not in it. I think David Fincher’s the perfect man for the job. Quentin is a huge fan of his work, I’m a huge fan of his work, and there’s nobody better to carry on that lineage and tell that story. I think it’s the next phase of Cliff Booth’s life. I’m excited to see it.”
— Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
This marks a clear departure from the original film’s dynamic. While DiCaprio spoke enthusiastically about director David Fincher taking the helm, he emphasized that his own story would not continue in the sequel, redirecting attention to Brad Pitt‘s character, Cliff Booth.
Behind the Scenes of the Netflix Sequel
The Adventures of Cliff Booth, announced in April 2025, has generated substantial attention, especially with Tarantino writing and Fincher directing. Brad Pitt will return as Cliff Booth, focusing the sequel’s narrative squarely on his character. Netflix reportedly offered DiCaprio $3 million for even a brief cameo, hoping to reunite Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth on screen, but he declined. The streaming giant is investing heavily, with the film’s budget reaching an impressive $200 million—a record for either Tarantino or Fincher.
A New Cast Steps Into the Spotlight
While DiCaprio won’t be participating, several notable names will join the cast alongside Brad Pitt. Timothy Olyphant will return as James Stacey, the real actor from Lancer who appeared in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. New additions to the ensemble include Scott Caan, Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Carla Gugino, Holt McCallany, JB Tadena, Corey Fogelmanis, and Karren Karagulian. The diverse cast reflects a shift in energy and focus, setting the stage for an entirely new chapter in the storyline.
Production Timeline and Setting
Filming for The Adventures of Cliff Booth began on July 28, 2025, in California and is set to conclude by mid-January 2026. The original film explored 1969 Hollywood, a period defined by rapid change and the looming specter of the Tate murders. The sequel moves the action forward to 1977, promising a fresh take and new historical context for viewers. With locations rooted in California, the film aims to capture the evolving spirit of Hollywood in the late 1970s.
Why DiCaprio’s Absence Makes Sense
The sequel’s narrative is expected to shift attention away from Rick Dalton, focusing instead on the next phase of Cliff Booth’s life. DiCaprio’s busy schedule, especially with his Oscar campaign for Paul Thomas Anderson‘s One Battle After Another, may have contributed to his decision. Anticipation is high that this film could land DiCaprio his seventh Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Previously, he received his sixth nomination for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, though the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor went to Brad Pitt.
Although DiCaprio will not star in The Adventures of Cliff Booth, he remains in demand, with future projects lined up such as Martin Scorsese’s What Happens at Night and Michael Mann’s Heat 2. These commitments, coupled with the focus shifting to Cliff Booth, offer a logical explanation for his absence from the sequel.
Release Details and Industry Impact
The Adventures of Cliff Booth is on track to premiere on Netflix in 2026. With a high-profile team led by Tarantino and Fincher, and Brad Pitt returning as Cliff Booth, the sequel is poised to capture the attention of both critics and audiences. The decision not to include Leonardo DiCaprio underscores a deliberate artistic shift and heightens expectations for Pitt’s performance and the expanded storyline. As the project moves closer to completion, the film industry will be watching closely to see how this star-studded follow-up shapes the legacy of its predecessor.
