The Shocking Truth About The Only Major Movie Starring Leonardo DiCaprio And Brad Pitt (Plus The Latest Sequel Update)

As of December 2025, the single, major feature film that has brought the two titans of Hollywood—Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt—together in starring roles is Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 masterpiece, *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*. This cinematic event, which paired the two actors for the first time in a substantial on-screen collaboration, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning critical acclaim and two Academy Awards. The film is a nostalgic, revisionist look at the industry and culture of 1969 Los Angeles, weaving together fictional characters with the tragic, real-life story of Sharon Tate. The movie’s success was largely attributed to the incredible chemistry between DiCaprio’s anxious, fading TV star Rick Dalton and Pitt’s laconic, supremely capable stuntman Cliff Booth. This partnership created a compelling narrative core that explored themes of friendship, obsolescence, and the changing face of Hollywood. The latest and most crucial update, however, centers not on the original film, but on the future of one of its beloved characters, with a major twist regarding the star who will not be returning.

The Definitive Biography of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth's Hollywood

The film, *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, serves as a fictional biography of two men trying to navigate a rapidly changing industry.

• Title: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
• Release Date: July 26, 2019
• Director & Writer: Quentin Tarantino
• Setting: 1969 Los Angeles, California
• Genre: Comedy-Drama, Revisionist History
• Key Cast:
  • Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton (Fading TV Western Star)
  • Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth (Rick’s Stunt Double and Driver)
  • Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate (Actress and Roman Polanski’s Wife)
  • Emile Hirsch as Jay Sebring
  • Dakota Fanning as Squeaky Fromme
  • Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarz (Dalton’s Agent)
  • Bruce Dern as George Spahn
  • Timothy Olyphant as James Stacy
• Major Accolades: Two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt, Best Production Design)
• Box Office: Grossed over $374 million worldwide.

The plot follows Rick Dalton, a former star of the fictional TV Western *Bounty Law*, who is struggling to transition to film. His best friend and longtime stunt double, Cliff Booth, serves as his confidant and driver. Their story runs parallel to that of Rick’s neighbor, the rising star Sharon Tate, and the events leading up to the infamous Manson Family murders, which Tarantino famously, and controversially, rewrites in the film's climactic sequence. The film is a love letter to the late 1960s Hollywood aesthetic, filled with meticulously recreated sets, period-correct music, and a deep knowledge of the era’s film and television history.

The Fresh Update: The Cliff Booth Spin-Off and DiCaprio's Final Verdict

The most current and exciting news for fans of the film is the confirmed development of a spin-off project focusing entirely on Brad Pitt's character, Cliff Booth. This development solidifies the enduring appeal of the character, who served as the film's moral and physical anchor.

*The Adventures of Cliff Booth* is Moving Forward

Sources indicate that a project tentatively titled *The Adventures of Cliff Booth* or *The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth* is in active development, with a potential release as early as 2026. This news is a significant update, moving beyond mere speculation and confirming that the world of *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* will be revisited.

• Focus: The series or film will explore Cliff Booth's life, likely delving into his mysterious past and his subsequent adventures after the events of the 1969 film.
• Brad Pitt’s Involvement: Brad Pitt is confirmed to reprise his Academy Award-winning role as the charismatic, dog-loving stuntman.
• Director Rumors: While the original was a Quentin Tarantino film, reports have suggested that David Fincher may be attached to direct the spin-off, adding another legendary director to the project’s pedigree.

This spin-off provides a huge opportunity to explore the various LSI keywords and entities only hinted at in the original film, such as Cliff Booth's military service, his alleged involvement in his wife's death, and his life on the fringes of the studio system.

Leonardo DiCaprio Confirms He Will Not Return

In a major development that will undoubtedly disappoint fans hoping for a full reunion, Leonardo DiCaprio has confirmed that he will not be appearing in the *Cliff Booth* spin-off. While the original film was a dual narrative, the sequel will focus solely on the life of the stuntman, leaving the story of Rick Dalton to stand alone. This decision is likely due to the spin-off's focus on Cliff Booth’s independent adventures, which may take place outside of the direct sphere of Rick Dalton’s acting career. It also keeps the original film as the sole, definitive on-screen pairing of the two megastars in a major feature film. The absence of DiCaprio's Rick Dalton will fundamentally change the dynamic, shifting the focus from the co-dependent relationship to Cliff Booth's solitary, wandering existence.

The Unforgettable Chemistry and Topical Authority of the Original Film

The reason *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* is the only film that immediately comes to mind when discussing a DiCaprio and Pitt collaboration is the sheer magic of their on-screen chemistry. Their performances as Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth are widely regarded as career highlights for both actors.

The Dynamic Duo: Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth

The relationship between the TV star and his stunt double is the heart of the film. Rick Dalton, a man plagued by self-doubt and fear of failure, is entirely dependent on Cliff, who remains unflappably cool and competent. This dynamic allowed both actors to play against type. DiCaprio, often the picture of cool confidence, played an emotional wreck, while Pitt, often known for his dramatic intensity, played the relaxed, almost Zen-like figure. * Topical Authority Entities: The film masterfully incorporates dozens of real-life Hollywood entities and figures, including the Manson Family, Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski, Steve McQueen, and Bruce Lee, grounding its fictional narrative in a rich, historical context. * Quentin Tarantino's Vision: The director’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating 1969 Los Angeles is another entity that gives the film its unique texture. The use of period-appropriate commercials, movie posters, and television shows (like *Bounty Law* and *Lancer*) adds layers of LSI keywords and authenticity. * The Historical Revisionism: The film’s most talked-about element is its revisionist ending, where the Manson Family’s tragic real-life events are violently altered. This narrative choice sparked countless debates and cemented the film’s place in modern cinema history, ensuring its ongoing relevance and discussion. The movie is a deep dive into the industry's golden age, exploring the transition from the studio system to the counter-culture movement. It is a cinematic experience that is both a tribute and a fantasy, forever linking the legacies of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt.