Director Quentin Tarantino, well-known for films like Kill Bill and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is making a rare return to acting in the drama Only What We Carry. This marks his first major acting role in 30 years since playing Richie Gecko in Robert Rodriguez’s cult classic From Dusk till Dawn. The film, which also stars Simon Pegg and Sofia Boutella, is currently in post-production and set in Normandy, France.
About the Story and Setting of Only What We Carry
Only What We Carry is set along the Normandy coast near Deauville, a region famous as the site of the World War II D-Day landings. The story centers on Julian Johns (Simon Pegg), a former artistic director at the Moulin Rouge whose life changes dramatically when Charlotte Levant (Sofia Boutella), a former dancer, arrives unexpectedly after reading a news article about him. Their encounter forces both characters to confront deep emotional wounds and unresolved past experiences.
Tarantino portrays John Percy, the publisher who lives at the chateau where Julian is writing his memoirs. His role promises intriguing interactions with Pegg’s character, with Charlotte Gainsbourg playing Charlotte’s protective sister. Other cast members include Liam Hellmann and Lizzy McAlpine, adding further depth to the ensemble.
Production Team and Creative Approach Behind the Film
The project is written and directed by Jamie Adams, with Charles Benoin, Jouri Smit, and Liam Hellmann producing. Simon Pegg, known for his work on Shaun of the Dead, also serves as an executive producer alongside Alan Ganansia, Richard Althoff, Laura Auclair, Theodoros Ornithopoulos, Jihane Salim, Frédérique Mathias, Alain Bérard, and Audrey Boccadifuocco.
The film employs a largely improvisational style without a traditional script, creating an atmosphere of spontaneity and energy on set. Laura Auclair praised the exceptional cast, while Alan Ganansia described the filming experience as transformative and memorable.
“I came onto the project believing in the team, though at first the process felt abstract, improvisation, no traditional script, a lot of unknowns. But once I was on set, it all clicked. There was a rare, natural energy, nothing forced or over-engineered. What could have been chaotic became incredibly focused. Watching the film reveal itself in real time was honestly magical, and it confirmed we were part of something truly special.”
— Alan Ganansia, Executive Producer
Significance of Tarantino’s Acting Return and Anticipated Impact
Quentin Tarantino’s return to acting after three decades highlights a notable moment for both his career and fans eagerly awaiting his next directorial project. His participation in Only What We Carry brings added attention to the film’s unique narrative and artistic style. The setting in Normandy, with its historical weight, enriches the emotional complexity of the characters’ stories. With a talented cast and creative team, the film’s release is expected to resonate deeply with audiences as it explores themes of grief, memory, and reconciliation.
