When Quentin Tarantino hands you a script, you don't usually touch a word. But for The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, the rules have changed. David Fincher, who took over directing duties from Tarantino, has revealed that he trimmed a significant chunk of the writer's original draft—and he's explaining why.
In a recent interview with Empire, Fincher disclosed that Tarantino's first draft was a hefty 230 pages. That's roughly double the length of a typical screenplay, and Fincher knew something had to give. "It wasn't about the plot as much as it was about how the participants collided with one another in the back alleys of Hollywood in 1977," he said. "The first draft I read was 230 pages. It was essentially two movies."
So Fincher made the call to cut 60 pages, shaping the story into something more focused. He described the result as "a story around a bonfire," while Tarantino himself likened it to "an Elmore Leonard paperback." The film, which stars Brad Pitt as the titular stuntman, also features Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Carla Gugino, and Scott Caan.
The project marks a rare collaboration between two of Hollywood's most distinctive filmmakers. Tarantino, who has famously sworn off directing after his tenth film, handed the reins to Fincher—a move that allows him to see his story come to life without breaking his own rule. This is also a departure for Tarantino, who usually directs his own scripts, but here he's trusting Fincher to interpret his vision.
The film has had a bumpy road to release, with reshoots and a missed fall festival slot. But Netflix has reportedly invested heavily, paying each of the three leads—Tarantino, Fincher, and Pitt—$20 million. The streaming giant is betting big on this reunion, and fans are eager to see what these two auteurs have cooked up.
For those who can't wait, The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth will hit IMAX screens on November 25 before debuting on Netflix on December 23. It's a unique release strategy that gives audiences a chance to see it big first, then at home for the holidays.
While Tarantino has been busy with other projects—like his upcoming play The Popinjay Cavalier—this film is a reminder that his storytelling can thrive even when someone else is behind the camera. And with Fincher's meticulous eye, the result is sure to be a fascinating blend of two distinct sensibilities.
For more on this story and other entertainment news, check out our coverage of Taika Waititi's Star Wars movie being put on ice and how Oda's intervention saved the One Piece series.
