Whatever Happened To Quentin Tarantino’s The Movie Critic?

By skillfully merging various film genres, Quentin Tarantino has earned a prominent position among contemporary filmmakers, starting from his first full-length film “Reservoir Dogs” in 1992. His work significantly contributed to the revival of independent directors during the ’90s, gaining them creative control and substantial budgets. This places him alongside visionaries like Wes Anderson, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Darren Aronofsky in the film industry.

Tarantino is well-known for his distinctive style which blends rapid, culturally relevant conversation and excessive violence. His movies like “Pulp Fiction,” “Inglourious Basterds,” and “Django Unchained” have earned numerous Oscar nominations (and victories). Initially, it appeared that we had a clear picture of his next project — “The Movie Critic.” Looper announced this in 2023, with production planned for later that year. However, as we are now far from 2023, it never came to fruition as originally expected. In fact, the film is no longer happening in the way we initially anticipated.

What makes Quentin Tarantino’s “The Movie Critic” significant within the broader scope of his filmography, and what projects might he undertake in the future? It appears uncommon for such a renowned director to abandon a project, but upon closer examination, it turns out that this move is not as peculiar as it may initially seem.

Why is Quentin Tarantino’s 10th film so important?

There’s always excitement in Tinseltown whenever a new Quentin Tarantino film is announced, but what makes “The Movie Critic” particularly intriguing is its limited scope. Tarantino has expressed his intention to retire after directing just ten films. In a 2022 interview with CNN, he stated, “I don’t want to become an out-of-touch old man who can’t relate to the current movies that are being released now.

While Tarantino has technically made 10 films, he considers “Kill Bill Vol. 1” and “Kill Bill Vol. 2” as one continuous story, so his directorial count is only nine at the moment. He’s also been involved in other movies as a screenwriter, such as “True Romance” and “From Dusk till Dawn.” It’s important to note that the 10-film limit applies specifically to films he has directed himself. This is why the release of “The Movie Critic,” rumored to be his final film, was highly anticipated.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but echo the words of Quentin Tarantino himself, who back in 2014 expressed to Deadline that he might not stop at ten films if an irresistible story presents itself. In his own words, “If, at some point, I stumble upon a good film, I won’t turn it down just because I said I would. But ten and done, leaving them wanting more – that sounds right.

What was The Movie Critic supposed to be about?

As a diehard fan, I had been eagerly anticipating Quentin Tarantino’s “The Movie Critic,” wondering what this enigmatic project would entail before it was shelved. The whispers grew louder when reports emerged of numerous screenplay revisions, leaving me guessing at the film’s potential plotlines. However, according to industry insiders, the story would have delved into the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s.

Initially, there were rumors swirling that the movie could be a loose interpretation of the life of renowned critic Pauline Kael, but Tarantino swiftly debunked those speculations.

The director made it clear that the movie is inspired by a man who truly existed, yet was never particularly well-known. This individual used to pen movie critiques for an adult magazine. He further characterized this character as a blend of Travis Bickle from “Taxi Driver” and real-life radio personality Howard Stern. For Tarantino, known for his entire career of creating thought-provoking films that often challenge societal norms, it seems fittingly apt to conclude his career with a film delving into someone who values art beyond conventional tastes.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be drawn to the tantalizing whispers about this script. Word on the street is that it could have spun an engrossing narrative, one that would have seen characters and actors from his past works reappearing. It’s a mystery whether these characters would have continued their lives in the narrative, like Leo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton still thriving in Hollywood, or if actors from his previous movies would have portrayed themselves, offering Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, and others a final curtain call in a Tarantino film. The cherry on top of this intriguing tale is the speculation that they all could have crossed paths with a 16-year-old Quentin Tarantino himself, weaving a circular timeline where all his films coexist.

Who was supposed to be in the cast for The Movie Critic?

Just as guessing the storyline for a movie by Quentin Tarantino, such as “The Movie Critic,” is mostly speculation, so is the cast. Rumors indicate that Tarantino planned to work with actors he had previously collaborated with, like Margot Robbie (“Once Upon a Time In Hollywood”), Jamie Foxx (“Django Unchained”), and John Travolta (“Pulp Fiction”). However, there were whispers about some fresh faces joining the production, primarily Paul Walter Hauser. Yet, after “The Movie Critic” was cancelled, Hauser clarified on The Perfect Parfait that he had no discussions with Tarantino about any role in the film. In other words, the only thing real between Hauser and Tarantino was the internet rumor.

It’s been suggested, though not definitively confirmed, that filmmaker Quentin Tarantino had thoughts about casting Tom Cruise in one of his movies. Tarantino openly mentioned considering Cruise for the character Cliff Booth in “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood,” but he eventually chose Brad Pitt instead. Reports suggest that despite speculation about Cruise joining “The Movie Critic,” no discussions actually took place between them. It’s known, however, that Tarantino appreciates Cruise’s acting and even complimented him and director Joseph Kosinski for their work on “Top Gun: Maverick.

David Krumholtz seems to be nearing a contract agreement, although there’s no clear evidence that it actually went through. Similarly, Olivia Wilde was rumored for a part, but the nature of the roles for either actor remains unclear. However, it’s likely that any actor would be eager to take on a role in Tarantino’s last movie.

The Movie Critic could serve as the basis for the Once Upon a Time In Hollywood sequel

In summary, reports indicate that Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt were set to collaborate again on a new film titled “The Movie Critic,” following their previous projects “Inglourious Basterds” and “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.” Notably, it’s said that Pitt would reprise his role as Cliff Booth from the latter movie within this new production. Given that the story is rumored to be set in 1970s Hollywood, having Booth continue working as a stuntman in Tarantino’s universe seems fitting, and it would also enhance the film’s narrative if this is indeed the direction Tarantino intends to take.

It’s possible, even if not yet confirmed, that the script for “The Movie Critic,” which may have influenced the upcoming Netflix sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” directed by David Fincher, was inspired by Tarantino’s work, although he chose not to direct this sequel. Brad Pitt is set to reprise his role as Booth, and there is rich material available for developing the story. The novelization of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” provides more details about Booth’s background, such as confirming that he did indeed kill his wife, a point left ambiguous in the original film.

Although Tarantino isn’t currently working on a sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, Fincher is undoubtedly equipped to handle such a project. Pitt has expressed interest in having Fincher direct the “World War Z” sequel, as they have collaborated on films like “Se7en”, “Fight Club”, and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. For now, it seems that they may not be able to work together on this specific project.

Why did The Movie Critic get canceled?

As we approached the end of 2023, it seemed like Quentin Tarantino was gearing up to start filming “The Movie Critic.” The California Film Commission granted an unusual $20.2 million tax subsidy for its production in California, hinting at a grand scale for this project. With a cast full of top-tier actors and the film being a period piece set in the 1970s requiring vintage vehicles and wardrobe, it was likely to be Tarantino’s costliest project yet. However, something unexpected happened… and the production never got off the ground.

In April 2024, there were rumors that Tarantino was no longer planning to make “The Movie Critic” his final movie. The director has not explicitly stated the reason for this change, but a source close to him informed The Hollywood Reporter that he has numerous scripts he’s discarded and found new ideas appealing instead. Another unnamed source shared with the outlet that Tarantino seemed to be extensively rewriting the script and setting a start date only after having a concept in mind. This suggests that Tarantino may have grown tired of the project or decided against making his final film a humorous tribute to his entire filmography, featuring cameos from past characters as if it were a TV series finale.

In another scenario, if “The Movie Critic” was developed as a follow-up or continuation of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” it might be that he intended his final production to stand alone as something entirely new. For now, it appears it may join the ranks of Hollywood’s intriguing unrealized possibilities.

What other Quentin Tarantino movies have been shelved?

It’s unfortunate that “The Movie Critic” didn’t work out, which is typical for Quentin Tarantino’s body of work. Throughout his career, Tarantino has had many projects that never came to fruition, including several superhero films he wanted to produce early on. For instance, after the acclaim of “Reservoir Dogs,” Tarantino considered making a movie about Marvel hero Luke Cage, but decided to direct “Pulp Fiction” instead. This choice ultimately enabled Tarantino to establish his unique style rather than sticking with an adaptation. Additionally, he had plans to film a Silver Surfer movie and even wrote a 500-page script for it, but this was before he gained widespread recognition, resulting in rejection.

As a devoted fan, I’ve often pondered if Tarantino might one day expand the Kill Bill saga into a trilogy with a third volume. Yet, in the year 2023, he effectively dashed those dreams when he declared his disinterest in “Kill Bill Vol. 3.” Instead, he revealed that his final project would revolve around a movie critic, but even that didn’t come to fruition.

One intriguing abandoned Quentin Tarantino venture was a potential “Star Trek” movie. He himself labeled it as “Pulp Fiction” set in space, implying it would’ve been an R-rated film, quite unlike what fans usually associate with the “Star Trek” franchise. It remains uncertain whether he would have directed or merely written the script, but given recent developments, it seems unlikely that project will materialize. For followers of Tarantino, anticipation for new projects often leads to disappointment when they’re scrapped shortly after being announced.

This could explain other canceled Tarantino projects

It’s intriguing to imagine Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming movie having connections to his past films, reminiscent of “The Movie Critic.” Audience members might even mimic the Rick Dalton meme from “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood,” where he points at the screen when favorite characters appear. However, given Tarantino’s meticulous nature, such a nostalgic nod might be too cheesy for his final film, as it seems he’s fully focused on making his last work stand alone, rather than relying on prior creations.

Although Quentin Tarantino perceives the “Kill Bill” films as a single narrative, it seems adding another installment might overstep for that series. This could also be the reason behind his absence from “Star Trek,” which is likely beneficial for the franchise’s continuity. In a 2021 interview on “The Big Picture” podcast, Tarantino proposed other projects he’d like to work on, such as adapting the novel “First Blood” into a film. He envisioned himself directing it, with Kurt Russell portraying the sheriff and Adam Driver as Rambo, due to the book’s captivating dialogue. However, this idea depends on his commitment to only direct 10 movies, leaving him with just one remaining opportunity for this project.

It appears Tarantino has set himself up with quite high standards, as he’s determined to make his tenth film his final masterpiece, something truly unique and representative of his career. Unfortunately, this means no sequel, adaptation, or remake – so fans won’t get the chance to witness Tarantino’s signature style of intense violence in a “Rambo” movie.

What will Quentin Tarantino’s final film be?

When we learn what Quentin Tarantino’s tenth and last movie will be, you can count on being among the first to hear about it. As things stand now, Tarantino isn’t revealing much about other projects he’s considering. A source previously hinted that he’s more passionate about other concepts, but it may take some time until the script reaches a point where he feels ready to fully invest in it.

In an interview with Variety back in January 2025, Quentin Tarantino shared that he’s taking his time before starting work on his tenth film, preferring to wait until his children are a bit older. He stated, “The concept of embarking on this journey while they’re still too young to grasp it isn’t appealing to me.” He added, “I’d rather not make any movie I might create until my son, Leo, who was born in February 2020, is at least six years old. That way, he can understand what’s happening, be part of the process, and it will become a cherished memory for him throughout his life.” So, we might not hear more definite updates about his last film until around 2026.

It can be thought of as if Tarantino is always brainstorming ideas in his mind, and there’s a good chance he could be writing a script when he’s not occupied with parenting duties. However, don’t expect any updates anytime soon, as for now, he prioritizes being a family man.

What’s Quentin Tarantino doing now?

Although we’re unsure about Quentin Tarantino’s 10th film, his next project appears to be a move towards Broadway, which is something new for him. Regrettably, it doesn’t seem like a “Pulp Fiction” musical is in the works, though that would be fantastic. However, Tarantino seems eager to explore different artistic realms.

In his conversation with Variety, Tarantino revealed that he is currently writing a play which might become his next project. If the play turns out to be a flop, he may not turn it into a movie. However, if it becomes a huge success, it could potentially serve as his final film. This intriguing prospect suggests that an adaptation of this play could replace “The Movie Critic” in Tarantino’s grand cinematic finale. Interestingly, Tarantino seems to express a sense of disillusionment with the film industry, stating that he didn’t get into it for minimal returns, implying his dissatisfaction with the current state of movies being released in theaters for brief periods before becoming available on television.

As a movie enthusiast myself, I often ponder about an intriguing concept: even someone who writes for adult magazines could have a profound respect for cinema, a notion that seems to elude many modern viewers who simply use films as background noise while they scroll through their phones. If Tarantino is crafting something exceptional purely to leave a lasting legacy, it might take time, but ultimately, the end result should be worth the patience.

2025-06-20 13:31