Quentin Tarantino presented the first 17 minutes of his upcoming film, The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, during the AFI Fest in Los Angeles on Friday night.
Following a screening of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Tarantino took the stage for a Q&A session before surprising the audience with the early footage. Directed by David Fincher, the film features Brad Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth, set in 1977, eight years after the original movie.
In the new film, Booth has transitioned from a stuntman to a fixer in Hollywood, dealing with challenges in a changing industry. Tarantino shared why he chose to revisit the character, stating, “I loved the Cliff Booth character, I loved the way that Brad played him… I could see like a series of paperbacks with Cliff Booth getting involved with this adventure or that adventure.” He emphasized his ongoing passion for the film’s world.
The footage showcases Booth as a cinema projectionist involved in unsavory business, reflecting a darker tone compared to his previous adventures. Various new characters are introduced, including talent agent Karen Crosby, played by Elizabeth Debicki, and TV megastar Charlie Peters, portrayed by Scott Caan. The plot hints at a blend of crime and ambition, portraying a transformed Hollywood.
Audience reactions to the preview have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics noted the gritty atmosphere, consistent with Fincher’s style. Film critics in attendance expressed excitement, hinting at a departure from the more comedic tone of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In the Q&A, Tarantino also discussed his future projects, including an upcoming play titled The Popinjay Cavalier, which stars Sacha Baron Cohen and is set to open in London’s West End.
The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth is scheduled for release in IMAX on November 25 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 23.