On Super Bowl Sunday, Netflix startled movie fans by releasing the initial teaser for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, spotlighting Brad Pitt‘s return as the iconic stuntman from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The teaser, infused with a retro 1970s vibe and classic rock soundtrack, outlines a new episode of Cliff Booth’s life, capturing the essence of vintage Hollywood with hints of humor and glamour.
A Retro-Styled Journey into Cliff Booth’s World
The brief teaser offers audiences a stylized portrayal of Cliff Booth navigating sunlit bars, bustling film sets, and thrilling derby car rides, all drenched in 1970s nostalgia. Pitt’s character maintains his trademark effortless cool as he moves through diverse scenarios, accompanied by new cast members Elizabeth Debicki and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Both actors appear in vintage costumes that perfectly match the period setting.
Adding to the teaser’s playful tone are censored glimpses of nudity, cigarettes, obscene gestures, and firearms, providing a cheeky nod to adult themes while preserving a lighthearted atmosphere. One scene notably shows Booth placing an Oscar statuette on his desk, a meta-reference to Brad Pitt’s own Academy Award win for his role as Booth.
Continuing the Story Without Leonardo DiCaprio
The first film, directed by Quentin Tarantino in 2019, famously reimagined history by depicting Cliff Booth and Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, foil the Manson family murders. This sequel, however, shifts focus solely on Pitt’s character, with DiCaprio not returning for the project. The storyline unfolds entirely in the 1970s, diving deeper into Booth’s life and adventures after the events of the original film.
The expanded cast includes notable additions such as Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Holt McCallany, and JB Tadena, while Timothy Olyphant reprises his role as James Stacy from the first film.
Behind the Scenes: Fincher and Tarantino Join Forces
The film is directed by David Fincher, with Quentin Tarantino taking on screenplay and producer duties, alongside Brad Pitt, David Heyman, Cen Chaffin, and Stacey Sher. Tarantino chose to pass directorial responsibilities to Fincher as he concentrates on his anticipated tenth and final movie. The collaboration merges two of Hollywood’s most distinct creative talents: Tarantino, known for his sharp writing and stylized storytelling, and Fincher, recognized for his meticulous direction and striking visuals.
Erik Messerschmidt, a frequent collaborator with Fincher, serves as director of photography. The principal shooting occurred across Los Angeles, capturing the city’s vintage aura and film industry settings. This new film extends Fincher’s ongoing partnership with Netflix, following acclaimed projects such as Mindhunter, Mank, and The Killer.
The Cultural and Industry Impact of Cliff Booth’s Return
The teaser’s release during an event as widely viewed as the Super Bowl signals Netflix’s confidence in this franchise’s potential impact. Brad Pitt reprising his role promises to draw both fans of the original film and new audiences intrigued by the stylish blend of 1970s Hollywood and gripping narrative. By revisiting a beloved character in a fresh context, the film could become a noteworthy highlight in streaming entertainment for 2026.
With a seasoned cast and the combined creative forces of Fincher and Tarantino, expectations are high for this continuation to deliver a compelling exploration of character and era. The teaser sets a tone of adventurous coolness infused with historical fantasy, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world that celebrates filmmaking’s golden years while adding new layers to a familiar figure.
