Leonardo DiCaprio Confirms Absence from Netflix's The Adventures of Cliff Booth

Leonardo DiCaprio has confirmed that he will not reprise his role as Rick Dalton in Netflix's upcoming sequel, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, which focuses on Brad Pitt's character, Cliff Booth. The film, written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by David Fincher, was announced in April 2025 and is set to begin filming on July 28, 2025, in California, with a budget of $200 million. The production is expected to wrap by mid-January 2026.

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In an interview with Deadline, DiCaprio stated, "There were some talks about it early on. Ultimately, I cannot wait to see the Cliff Booth story, but I’m not in it." Despite Netflix reportedly offering him $3 million for a cameo, DiCaprio declined the offer. He expressed admiration for David Fincher, calling him "the perfect man for the job," and indicated his excitement for the sequel's exploration of Cliff Booth's life.

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While DiCaprio will not be part of The Adventures of Cliff Booth, he is currently focused on his Oscar campaign for Paul Thomas Anderson's film, One Battle After Another, and is expected to star in upcoming projects including Martin Scorsese's What Happens at Night and Michael Mann's Heat 2.

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The Adventures of Cliff Booth will take place in 1977, eight years after the events of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which depicted the changing landscape of the film industry in 1969. The sequel's narrative shift away from Rick Dalton allows for a deeper exploration of Cliff Booth's character, as the story pivots to his experiences and challenges.

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Alongside Brad Pitt, the cast of The Adventures of Cliff Booth includes Timothy Olyphant, who reprises his role as James Stacey, as well as Scott Caan, Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Carla Gugino, Holt McCallany, JB Tadena, Corey Fogelmanis, and Karren Karagulian. The film's production is being closely watched, given its high budget and the involvement of acclaimed filmmakers.

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DiCaprio's absence has sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders, with some expressing disappointment over his decision not to participate, especially given the financial incentive. However, many also recognize the importance of focusing the sequel on Cliff Booth, allowing for a fresh narrative direction.

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• “Ultimately, I cannot wait to see the Cliff Booth story, but I’m not in it.” — Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio's Return Status In Netflix's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Sequel Finally Confirmed

• “I think David Fincher’s the perfect man for the job.” — Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio's Return Status In Netflix's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Sequel Finally Confirmed

As The Adventures of Cliff Booth moves forward, the film promises to delve into the life of Cliff Booth, with Brad Pitt leading the charge. While Leonardo DiCaprio's absence marks a significant change, the project is poised to explore new narratives within the established universe created by Tarantino. The film's release is highly anticipated, and its development will be closely monitored by fans and critics alike.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Return Status In Netflix's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Sequel Finally Confirmed