"Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood" is a 2019 film set against the backdrop of 1969 Los Angeles and the looming Manson Family murders. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, it stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a fading actor and Brad Pitt as his stunt double, grappling with a changing Hollywood. Produced by Columbia Pictures and others, this comedy-drama explores themes of fame, nostalgia, and the dark side of Hollywood's golden age.
1964: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Connection
The 1964 blue Volkswagen Karmann Ghia convertible driven by Cliff Booth in the film mirrors the car driven by Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill: Volume 2, showcasing a subtle link within Tarantino's filmography.
1966: Cadillac de Ville Connection
Rick Dalton's 1966 Cadillac de Ville in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the same car driven by Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, further connecting Tarantino's works.
February 1969: Introduction to the Characters
The film sets its scene in February 1969, introducing Rick Dalton, a struggling actor, and Cliff Booth, his stunt double and close friend, as they navigate their careers in Hollywood.
March 1969: Charles Manson Visits Polanski Residence
In March 1969, Charles Manson visited the Polanski residence, inquiring about Terry Melcher, a previous resident.
August 8, 1969: A Night Out and a Change of Plans
On August 8, 1969, Dalton and Booth celebrate their journey together. As they return, Booth unknowingly consumes LSD while Manson's followers, initially planning to target Sharon Tate's home, encounter Dalton and decide to kill him instead.
1969: Tarantino's Vision of 1969 Hollywood
In 1969, Quentin Tarantino envisioned the film's depiction of Hollywood through a child's perspective, aiming for a nostalgic yet contemporary feel.
1969: Retro Yet Contemporary Filming Style
Tarantino and cinematographer Robert Richardson aimed for a "retro yet contemporary" aesthetic, blending period-specific filming techniques with modern sensibilities, despite not being possible in 1969.
1969: Tarantino's Inspiration for the Film's Setting
Tarantino decided to set his story in 1969, focusing on the lives of stuntman Cliff Booth, actor Rick Dalton, and their connection to Sharon Tate.
1969: Playboy Mansion Scene
The Playboy Mansion scene, set in 1969, was filmed at the actual mansion, recreating its 1960s ambiance even though Playboy didn't acquire it until 1971.
1969: Setting of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
The film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is set in 1969.
1969: Setting of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
The film portrays the lives of fading actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, against the backdrop of 1969 Los Angeles.
1969: Recreating 1969 Hollywood
To capture the essence of 1969 Hollywood, the film's production team meticulously recreated the era's look and feel, minimizing the use of CGI and employing practical effects.
1970: Spahn Ranch Recreation
After a wildfire destroyed the original Spahn Ranch in 1970, the film recreated it at Corriganville Movie Ranch, using numerous dogs to evoke the atmosphere.
1971: Playboy Acquires the Mansion
In 1971, Playboy acquired the mansion, making the film's depiction of a 1969 party an anachronism.
1972: Bruce Lee Comments on Fighting Muhammad Ali
In 1972, Bruce Lee acknowledged the public's desire to see him fight Muhammad Ali but admitted, "He'd kill me."
1975: Linda Lee Publishes Memoir
Bruce Lee's widow, Linda Lee, published her memoir, "Bruce Lee: The Man Only I Knew," in 1975, mentioning a critic's belief that Lee could defeat Muhammad Ali in a fight.
1978: Roman Polanski Directs "Tess"
In 1978, Roman Polanski directed the film adaptation of "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," dedicating it to his late wife, Sharon Tate.
1979: Release of "Tess"
Polanski's film adaptation of "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," dedicated to Sharon Tate, was released in 1979.
1980: Influence of "The Stunt Man"
Richard Rush's 1980 film, "The Stunt Man," inspired Tarantino to incorporate action sequences from Dalton's fictional films.
1994: Tate-Polanski House Demolished
The actual Tate-Polanski house was demolished in 1994, leading to the film's recreation of it at various locations in Los Angeles.
July 11, 2017: News Breaks About Tarantino's Manson Murders Project
Reports emerged on July 11, 2017, revealing Tarantino's plan to create a film centered around the Manson murders.
July 2017: Project Announcement
Quentin Tarantino's new film, free from the Weinstein brothers' involvement due to the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, was revealed in July 2017.
November 11, 2017: Sony Pictures Acquires Distribution Rights
Outbidding other studios, Sony Pictures secured the distribution rights for the film on November 11, 2017, agreeing to Tarantino's requirements including final cut privilege and creative control.
January 2018: DiCaprio Joins the Project
Leonardo DiCaprio joined the cast in January 2018, marking his reunion with Tarantino.
February 28, 2018: Film Title and Pitt's Casting Announced
The film's title, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," was officially revealed on February 28, 2018, along with Brad Pitt's casting as Cliff Booth.
March 2018: Robbie Cast as Sharon Tate
Margot Robbie joined the cast as Sharon Tate in March 2018.
May 2018: Key Cast Members Added
Notable actors Tim Roth, Kurt Russell, and Michael Madsen were added to the cast in May 2018.
May 2018: Burt Reynolds's Final Role
Burt Reynolds was initially cast as George Spahn but passed away before filming his scenes. His role was then given to Bruce Dern. This marked Reynolds's last performance, even participating in a script read-through.
June 2018: Start of Filming
Principal photography for the film took place from June to November, primarily in Los Angeles.
June 2018: Expanding the Ensemble Cast
The cast continued to grow in June 2018 with additions like Damian Lewis, Luke Perry, Emile Hirsch, Dakota Fanning, and Al Pacino.
June 18, 2018: Principal Photography Begins
On June 18, 2018, the filming of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood commenced in Los Angeles.
August 2018: Final Casting Additions
The final casting additions included Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, Lena Dunham, and Maya Hawke in August 2018.
November 1, 2018: Filming Wraps Up
After months of shooting, the principal photography for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood concluded on November 1, 2018.
2018: Bruce Lee Biography Reveals On-Set Behavior
Matthew Polly's 2018 biography, "Bruce Lee: A Life," revealed Lee's demanding on-set behavior and his tendency to engage in full-contact sparring with stuntmen.
March 4, 2019: Death of Luke Perry
Luke Perry, part of the film's cast, passed away on March 4, 2019. The film is dedicated to his memory.
March 20, 2019: Teaser Trailer Release
On March 20, 2019, the teaser trailer for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was unveiled, featuring iconic 1960s music.
May 21, 2019: Cannes Film Festival Premiere
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2019.
July 26, 2019: US Theatrical Release
The film hit theaters in the United States on July 26, 2019.
August 5, 2019: Four-Hour Cut of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Announced
News of a potential four-hour cut of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, possibly for Netflix, surfaced on August 5, 2019.
August 9, 2019: Initial Release Date
Initially, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was slated for release on August 9, 2019, marking the 50th anniversary of the Tate-LaBianca murders, but it premiered earlier at Cannes Film Festival.
October 2019: Extended Cut Release
An extended version of the film, featuring additional scenes and characters like Burt Reynolds and James Marsden, premiered in theaters during October 2019.
October 18, 2019: China Cancels Release of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
China canceled the release of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood on October 18, 2019, due to Tarantino's refusal to remove a scene that Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee's daughter, found objectionable.
October 25, 2019: Extended Cut Release
An extended version of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, featuring additional scenes, hit theaters on October 25, 2019.
November 22, 2019: Digital Release
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood became available through digital retailers on November 22, 2019.
2019: Critical Acclaim and Awards
Throughout 2019, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood garnered numerous awards and nominations, including recognition from the Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and the American Film Institute.
2019: Tarantino Expresses Interest in "Bounty Law" Series
In 2019, Tarantino shared his interest in developing a "Bounty Law" television series, inspired by the fictional show within Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He envisioned a black-and-white, half-hour format reminiscent of 1950s Westerns.
January 3, 2020: Tarantino Confirms Extended Cut
Quentin Tarantino confirmed the extended cut of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in an interview with Collider on January 3, 2020, estimating its release in approximately one year.
April 2020: Home Media Awards
In April 2020, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood garnered accolades at the Home Media Awards, winning "Title of the Year" and "Best Theatrical Home Release."
November 2020: Tarantino Signs Two-Book Deal
Quentin Tarantino signed a two-book deal with HarperCollins in November 2020.
June 2021: Tarantino Announces Second Novel
In June 2021, Tarantino revealed plans for a second novel, a companion piece to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, focusing on Rick Dalton's filmography.
June 2021: Tarantino Announces Stage Adaptation
Tarantino announced his intention to adapt Once Upon a Time in Hollywood for the stage in June 2021, revealing a completed script set in Italy with the entire second act revolving around a dinner scene.
June 2021: Update on Extended Cut Release
Tarantino provided an update in June 2021, stating that the extended cut, approximately three hours and 20 minutes long, would likely be released theatrically "in a couple of years."
June 29, 2021: Novelization Release
Tarantino's debut novel, adapting the film's story, was released on June 29, 2021.
August 6, 2021: Twin Atlantic Releases "Bang On the Gong" Music Video
Scottish rock band Twin Atlantic released a music video for their song "Bang On the Gong" on August 6, 2021, drawing inspiration from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, particularly Rick Dalton's character.
December 2021: Screenplay Recognition
The screenplay for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood earned a spot on the Writers Guild of America's "101 Greatest Screenplays of the 21st Century (So Far)" list in December 2021.