Tarantino and Fincher’s Debut Collaboration Set for IMAX Release Before Netflix Premiere

For fans of cinematic buzz, the phrase “David Fincher directing a Quentin Tarantino script” might sound like one of those wild rumors that used to set forums ablaze in the early 2000s. Yet, it’s happening — and it’s coming to IMAX.

Netflix recently revealed that *The Adventures of Cliff Booth*, the Fincher-directed sequel to Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, will have an exclusive two-week IMAX run starting November 25, before hitting Netflix on December 23. Brad Pitt reprises his role as Cliff Booth, Tarantino’s enigmatic stuntman-philosopher-murderer, but this time it’s 1977, and Hollywood has taken on a much grittier vibe compared to the sun-soaked fantasy of 1969.

The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Peter Weller, and standout Karren Karagulian, along with a talented crew of Fincher collaborators. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt (known for *Mank* and *The Killer*) returns to capture that authentic film grain, while production designer Donald Graham Burt continues the visual legacy from *Once Upon a Time*.

It’s hard to wrap my head around this collaboration. Tarantino and Fincher are two of the most influential filmmakers of the past three decades, yet they seem to operate in entirely different realms. Tarantino thrives on vibrant, dialogue-heavy narratives, while Fincher is known for his meticulous approach and a digital aesthetic that has shaped modern prestige television since his work on *House of Cards*. How will their styles blend?

There’s reason for optimism: Fincher has successfully collaborated with other strong writers, notably elevating Aaron Sorkin’s work in *The Social Network*. And despite Tarantino’s reputation for dominating his scripts, he allowed Tony Scott to take creative liberties with *True Romance* back in the ’90s. From the teaser that premiered during the Super Bowl last February, it seems Fincher has preserved the essence of Tarantino’s voice in the material. *The Adventures of Cliff Booth* could be the unexpected “pickles and peanut butter” of 2026 cinema.

The IMAX release itself is an interesting twist in Hollywood’s narrative. Netflix had already secured those premium screens for Greta Gerwig’s *Narnia* film, but with that project pushed to a 2027 release, an opening emerged. So while *Dune 3* and *Avengers: Doomsday* compete for large-format screens in December, Thanksgiving is all about Pitt, Fincher, and Tarantino. Sounds good to me.

Django meets Zorro might just be coming to a theater near you.