In a surprise move that has left fans of the iconic filmmaker reeling, Quentin Tarantino has decided to abandon his previously announced final project, “The Movie Critic,” in favor of an as-yet-undisclosed new film.
The news, first reported by Deadline, comes as a major shift in Tarantino’s long-gestating plans for his 10th and final directorial effort. Just last year, the filmmaker had been gearing up to bring “The Movie Critic” to life, with Brad Pitt attached to star in what was described as a period piece set in 1977 California.
The film was said to be inspired by Tarantino’s own experiences working in a “porno rag” as a teenager, where he encountered a particular critic whose “snarky and smart” reviews left a lasting impression. It was positioned to be a natural thematic and stylistic continuation of Tarantino’s acclaimed work, blending his signature blend of pop culture savvy and gritty authenticity.
However, according to Deadline’s sources, Tarantino has simply “changed his mind” about “The Movie Critic” being his cinematic swan song. The script had reportedly gone through a rewrite, which delayed the start of production, and ultimately led the director to reevaluate his plans.
“Tarantino has simply had a change of heart and Deadline hears he will not be moving forward with the project,” the report states. “Sources close to the director said he changed his mind and is going back to the drawing board to figure out what that final movie will be.”
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This shift in direction is reminiscent of a similar pivot Tarantino made nearly a decade ago, when he initially shelved “The Hateful Eight” after the script leaked, only to later revive the project and bring it to the screen.
The news of “The Movie Critic” being scrapped is undoubtedly a disappointment for Tarantino fans who were eagerly anticipating the filmmaker’s final act. The project had generated significant excitement, particularly with the prospect of Tarantino reuniting with his “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” star, Brad Pitt.
Now, the director’s loyal audience will have to wait with bated breath to discover what Tarantino has in store for his cinematic swan song. Given the director’s penchant for surprises and unconventional storytelling, the anticipation for his true final film is sure to reach a fever pitch in the months and years to come.
