Netflix's Surprise Tarantino Sequel Sparks Fan Division as Brad Pitt Returns
Netflix has unveiled the debut trailer for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a surprise sequel to Quentin Tarantino's 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and the initial reactions from viewers have been sharply divided. The trailer premiered during Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, showcasing Brad Pitt's return to his iconic role as Hollywood fixer Cliff Booth.
Super Bowl Debut and Censorship
During the high-profile Super Bowl broadcast, audiences were treated to a selection of impressive trailers for forthcoming films set to arrive in cinemas and on streaming platforms later this year. Among these was the brand new footage of The Adventures of Cliff Booth, which delves deeper into Cliff's existence as a Hollywood fixer in 1970s Los Angeles as he becomes entangled in numerous criminal escapades.
Notably, Netflix's trailer for the film suggests Tarantino's trademark provocative approach, with swearing, weapons, and smoking clumsily censored to maintain the footage suitable for the broad Super Bowl audience. This censorship has been reported as a strategic move to align with the event's family-friendly broadcasting standards.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The film features an all-star ensemble alongside cinema icon Brad Pitt. Timothy Olyphant returns to his portrayal of real-life TV star James Stacy, while other notable cast members include Scott Caan, Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Carla Gugino. Directed by celebrated filmmaker David Fincher, known for The Social Network, from a screenplay written by Quentin Tarantino, the collaboration has generated significant buzz but also mixed reactions.
Mixed Fan Reactions on Social Media
Fans have been left somewhat split by the fresh glimpses of Cliff Booth's comeback thus far. On Reddit, one user remarked: "The visual style is a little too far removed from OUATIH, being that this is shot digitally, but I dig the vibe. Seems a little darker, but still retaining the mostly lighthearted and comedic vibe of the original."
Another Reddit user expressed enthusiasm, stating: "That looks pretty f****n' awesome to me", while a third concurred: "Seems like a QT movie to me. The big Kahuna burger is a dead giveaway." However, not all feedback has been positive. One fan confessed: "Definitely looks like a Fincher production. I don't know what to think as of right now", indicating uncertainty about the directorial shift.
Viewers on X proved even more doubtful, with one user posting: "Random ahh sequel to Tarantino's worst movie. Fincher is my favorite director, but I'm not hyped for this.." Another scathing comment stated: "Netflix is gonna ruin it, and a Cliff Booth spin off movie should of been directed by Tarantino." A final user criticised the trailer outright: "I love ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, saw it several times in theaters. This looks awful."
Release Details and Future Prospects
Regrettably, the film does not yet have a precise release date, though it is confirmed to be landing in 2026. The Adventures of Cliff Booth is coming soon to Netflix, promising to expand the universe of Tarantino's acclaimed Hollywood narrative. As anticipation builds, the divided fan reactions highlight the challenges and expectations surrounding high-profile sequels and directorial collaborations in the streaming era.
