Netflix’s untitled Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood spin-off is moving forward, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is the latest star to join the cast. He’ll appear opposite Brad Pitt, who returns as Cliff Booth—the stuntman-turned-scene-stealer that won Pitt an Oscar.
The film is being directed by David Fincher from a script by Quentin Tarantino, with Elizabeth Debicki and Scott Caan also attached. Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but sources say the story follows Booth’s next chapter as a Hollywood studio fixer—a role rooted in the old-school tradition of behind-the-scenes problem solvers like Eddie Mannix.
While Netflix and the filmmakers haven’t confirmed a title, Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. casually referred to the project as The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth during an April interview with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan. That working title nods to the serialized, kitschy feel of ’60s-era TV, perfectly aligning with Tarantino’s nostalgic vision of Hollywood.
As for Mateen’s role, details haven’t been revealed, but sources say he’ll play a character in the spirit of NFL legend-turned-actor Jim Brown—someone with both physical presence and star power. Brown famously walked away from football at the top of his game to become a film star, with roles in titles like The Dirty Dozen.
The idea for this spin-off came together quietly, with Pitt getting Tarantino’s blessing to share the script with Fincher—his Se7en collaborator. Because Fincher has an exclusive deal with Netflix, the film is expected to debut directly on the platform.
Though Tarantino isn’t directing this one—he’s focused on what may be his final feature—his fingerprints are all over it. He’s said to be earning a significant payday for the script as he continues working on other projects, including a play.
This film will reportedly take place in the same alternate Hollywood timeline as Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, one where Sharon Tate is still alive. That twist alone adds another layer to the story’s world-building potential.
Mateen continues to book major roles. He stars as the lead in Marvel’s Wonder Man series and is also producing and starring in Netflix’s upcoming Man on Fire series. He’ll next appear in Elegance Bratton’s crime thriller By Any Means alongside Mark Wahlberg. His resume also includes Watchmen (for which he won an Emmy), Candyman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Ambulance, The Matrix Resurrections, and the Aquaman films.
No release date or official title has been announced yet, but between Tarantino’s words, Fincher’s vision, Pitt’s return, and Mateen’s addition—it’s one of the most intriguing projects on the horizon.