Quentin Tarantino has returned with the teaser trailer for his ninth film titled, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film was first announced in February 2018, to be released under Sony Pictures. In addition to directing, he is also a producer and writer for the show. Tarantino, who grew up in Los Angeles County during the time period of this film, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter saying, “I’m very excited to tell this story of an L.A. and a Hollywood that don’t exist anymore.” He has described it as “a story that takes place in Los Angeles 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood.”
The teaser trailer does in fact showcase “hippy Hollywood” in true Tarantino fashion. In just under two minutes he shows us his classic elements of humor, dancing, and fighting (who doesn’t want to see Brad Pitt fighting Bruce Lee?!), all set to a gorgeous 1960’s Los Angeles backdrop. Tarantino even transformed the current sunset strip to reflect the era of hippies, go-go, westerns, and of course, a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.
The film follows fading TV actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) along with his best friend and stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), as they try to make a name for themselves in the ever-changing film industry. Margot Robbie will also star as the late actress Sharon Tate. Tate, who was married to Polish film director Roman Polanski at the time, was murdered in 1969 by members of the Manson family cult. This storyline will play a central role as Dalton and Tate are next door neighbors in the film.
Tarantino clearly has an all-star cast, bringing back some familiar faces from his previous films: Leonardo DiCaprio (Django Unchained), Brad Pitt (Inglorious Bastards), Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight), and Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight). Also making appearances are Luke Perry, Al Pacino, Timothy Olyphant, James Marsden, and Mike Moh in supporting roles. The infamous Manson family has also been cast with Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, Austin Butler as Charles “Tex” Watson, and Lena Dunham as Catherine “Gypsy” Share.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is blending a true story of the Tate murders with intricate fictional characters and storylines to weave a tale that could only be told… once upon a time in Hollywood.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is rumored to be premiering at the Cannes film festival in May. It’s theatrical release date is slated for July 26, 2019. Watch the teaser trailer here!