Quentin Tarantino drops 'The Movie Critic' as final film project
Is it happening? Is it not? Uncertainty looms large over Quentin Tarantino's swansong The Movie Critic, a film everyone had been awaiting as it was to be Tarantino's last directorial outing. However, a recent report by Deadline states that Tarantino has scrapped it and has no plans to revise the script or revive the project. Instead, he is reportedly shifting his attention toward a new venture. Tarantino is known for cinematic marvels such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction.
'The Movie Critic' was set to star Brad Pitt
The Movie Critic was intended to be Tarantino's 10th full-length film, with frequent collaborator Brad Pitt in the lead role. The initial story, set in 1977, centered on an unassuming film critic writing insightful reviews for an adult magazine. There were speculations that Pitt's character might have similarities to Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, as depicted in Tarantino's novel adaptation of the movie.
Tarantino's remarks at the Cannes Film Festival last year
During the Cannes Film Festival last year, Tarantino briefly mentioned The Movie Critic, stating, "I can't tell you guys [anything] until you see the movie. I'm tempted to do some of the character's monologues right now, but I'm not going to. Maybe if there were fewer video cameras. You just have to wait and see." However, per Deadline, "Tarantino has simply had a change of heart and will not be moving forward with the project."
So close yet so far: Tarantino's abandoned projects
Before this surprising development, preparations for filming The Movie Critic were well underway, including securing a $20M tax break from California. However, it is still unclear which project Tarantino will pursue next. In 2019, he declined an R-rated Star Trek film due to its large scale and his preference for a more niche audience. In 2022, he considered creating an eight-episode TV series, but this idea also did not see the light of day.
Tarantino and Pitt's previous collaborations
Had Pitt and Tarantino joined forces for The Movie Critic, it would have marked their third collaboration. Previously, the two have worked together on Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood and Inglourious Basterds, both of which are critically acclaimed successes. Pitt also won an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. Now, it remains to be seen whether Tarantino will hire Pitt for his final project or not.
