Netflix’s long-awaited spinoff The Adventures of Cliff Booth has once again become a major topic of discussion after Leonardo DiCaprio officially ruled out his return to the world of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Despite earlier reports suggesting Netflix hoped to bring DiCaprio back for a cameo as Rick Dalton, the actor has now made it clear that he will not be part of the movie.
This update comes directly from a new in-depth interview where DiCaprio not only praised the project but also expressed genuine excitement to watch Brad Pitt and director David Fincher expand the story of stuntman Cliff Booth. Still, he confirmed—once and for all—that he has no appearance in the film.
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So why won’t DiCaprio return? How did the rumors start? And what do we know about the Netflix movie so far? Here is a complete, SEO-friendly breakdown.
Leonardo DiCaprio: “I’m Not in It, But I Can’t Wait to See It”
During a sweeping interview with Deadline’s Mike Fleming, Leonardo DiCaprio finally addressed the ongoing speculation regarding his involvement in The Adventures of Cliff Booth. When asked directly whether he would appear alongside Brad Pitt in the Netflix movie, DiCaprio explained that although initial discussions took place, he ultimately decided not to be part of the film.
His exact sentiment was clear:
“Ultimately, I cannot wait to see the Cliff Booth story, but I’m not in it. I think David Fincher is the perfect man for the job… there’s nobody better to carry on that lineage and tell that story.”
This marks the first unequivocal statement confirming that DiCaprio will not reprise his role as Rick Dalton for the upcoming Netflix project.
Earlier Reports Suggested Netflix Wanted a Cameo
Interest around DiCaprio’s potential return began circulating earlier this year. According to a report by The Insneider in June, Netflix was reportedly eager to convince the actor to return—even offering him millions of dollars for a cameo as Rick Dalton.
This sparked excitement among fans, especially because DiCaprio and Brad Pitt’s on-screen dynamic in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood remains one of the film’s biggest highlights. DiCaprio previously fueled curiosity during promotional interviews for One Battle After Another, where he described Fincher’s Cliff Booth movie as “the continuation of the great Cliff Booth onto different things.”
At the time, outlets like Entertainment Tonight suggested that his vague answers were a sign he wasn’t involved. Now, DiCaprio has finally settled the speculation.
David Fincher Takes Over the Cliff Booth Universe
One of the standout details from DiCaprio’s interview is his immense praise for director David Fincher. Known for masterpieces like Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network, and Gone Girl, Fincher’s involvement has generated huge excitement.
DiCaprio even emphasized that both he and Quentin Tarantino are big admirers of Fincher’s work. He stated that Fincher is “the perfect man for the job”, hinting at the director’s deep understanding of the tone and world Tarantino created.
This endorsement from DiCaprio has only increased expectations for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, which is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated films of 2026.
What Is The Adventures of Cliff Booth About?
While Netflix has kept the plot under wraps, the film is expected to follow the next phase of Cliff Booth’s life after the events of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Brad Pitt will return as Cliff Booth, the stuntman who quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his cool personality, humor, and action-heavy character arc.
The movie reportedly draws inspiration from Quentin Tarantino’s 2021 novelization of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where the author explored more of Cliff Booth’s backstory and future adventures.
The tone is expected to be action-heavy with the gritty, psychological style that Fincher is known for.
Production Status and Expected Release Window
According to multiple industry reports, The Adventures of Cliff Booth has been in ongoing production throughout 2025 and will continue filming until the end of the year. The movie is reportedly targeting a Summer 2026 release on Netflix.
A theatrical run is also likely—though it has not yet been officially confirmed.
Considering Fincher’s history of working with major streamers and delivering critically acclaimed content, The Adventures of Cliff Booth may become one of Netflix’s headline releases of 2026.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s History with Netflix
Although DiCaprio will not return for the Cliff Booth spinoff, he does not have any issues collaborating with Netflix. In 2021, he starred in Adam McKay’s satire Don’t Look Up, which became one of the platform’s most-viewed movies.
He has also been linked to other Netflix projects over the years, including:
- an Evel Knievel biopic (unconfirmed but rumored)
- a Virunga dramatization, which has since been shelved
This suggests that the decision not to appear in The Adventures of Cliff Booth has nothing to do with Netflix, but simply a creative choice and scheduling priority for the actor.
Final Thoughts
Leonardo DiCaprio’s decision to step away from Netflix’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth may disappoint fans hoping for a Rick Dalton cameo, but his enthusiasm for the project—and his praise for David Fincher—indicate that viewers are still in for an exciting cinematic experience.
Brad Pitt’s iconic character will finally take center stage in a stand-alone story, guided by one of Hollywood’s most visionary directors. With production moving steadily and a Summer 2026 release window in sight, the Netflix movie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated streaming releases of the decade.
Whether or not DiCaprio appears, The Adventures of Cliff Booth promises to deliver a thrilling continuation of the world Tarantino created—making it a must-watch for fans of action, drama, and bold storytelling.
