Netflix has delivered an unexpected update on one of its most anticipated films of 2026, confirming that Quentin Tarantino's sequel starring Brad Pitt will first hit IMAX cinemas before streaming on the platform.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth: A Cinematic Shift
The Adventures of Cliff Booth serves as a sequel to Tarantino's 2019 period crime-comedy Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which also featured Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie. Written by Tarantino and directed by David Fincher, known for The Social Network, the follow-up is set in the late 1970s. It follows stuntman Cliff Booth as he transitions into a Hollywood fixer, navigating dangerous escapades across Los Angeles.
Initially expected to stream exclusively on Netflix, the streamer has now confirmed the film will premiere in IMAX cinemas on 25th November. It will remain on the big screen for two weeks before becoming available for streaming on 23rd December.
Release Schedule and Cast
Cliff Booth's updated release date takes the slot previously held by Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, which will now debut in February 2027, also with a theatrical release before streaming on Netflix.
Joining leading man Brad Pitt, who won his first Academy Award for acting in the original film, is a star-studded cast. Timothy Olyphant reprises his role as real-life TV star James Lancer. Newcomers to the ensemble include Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Peter Weller.
Fan Reactions and Netflix's Theatrical Strategy
The announcement has surprised moviegoers. One X user commented: 'Getting the original Gerwig Narnia release window (and the IMAX release too???) is a good sign Netflix has a lot of faith in this one tbh.' Another described the sequel as 'unmissable,' while a third said: 'I like this era of Netflix slowly leaning into the theatrical model.' A final fan speculated: 'Ok The Adventures of Cliff Booth is 100% feeling like Netflix's big Oscar's push this year... Hopefully the Fincher x Tarantino collab works and this film is actually good.'
Cliff Booth's cinematic outing follows a trend of theatrical releases for Netflix, which has included the two Knives Out sequels, Glass Onion and Wake Up Dead Man. The streamer is going even further for its upcoming Narnia reboot, which will enjoy a 49-day theatrical window before streaming in April.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth will be in cinemas on 25th November and releases on Netflix on 23rd December.
