Sony Pictures chairman Tom Rothman has revealed why the upcoming Cliff Booth movie based on Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is heading to Netflix instead of Sony.
Speaking to Variety about the record-breaking launch of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Rothman admitted he was disappointed that Sony could not retain the project, explaining that David Fincher’s exclusive deal with Netflix ultimately determined its destination.
The comments offer the clearest explanation yet for why one of Hollywood’s most anticipated projects changed studios. Rothman also addressed Sony’s theatrical strategy, the future of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, and the company’s current Marvel film plans during the interview.
David Fincher’s Netflix Deal Changed the Film’s Home
Asked why Netflix is producing the Cliff Booth sequel instead of Sony, Rothman explained that the project originally belonged at Sony when Quentin Tarantino planned to direct it himself. However, those plans changed after Tarantino decided not to helm the film.
According to Rothman,
“Because David Fincher is exclusive to Netflix. We were going to make the movie when Quentin [Tarantino] was directing it, but he decided that he didn’t want to do it and changed course. The only other person that he was comfortable directing his script was David Fincher, and David Fincher was exclusive to Netflix, so we were not going to stand in anybody’s way.”
When Variety asked whether he was disappointed Sony lost the sequel, Rothman’s response was brief but direct:
“Yes.”
Beyond discussing the Cliff Booth project, Rothman celebrated the historic opening of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which delivered one of the biggest global debuts in box office history. He argued that the film proves audiences still embrace theatrical releases despite years of industry concerns.
“What happened is miraculous,”
Rothman told Variety.
“‘Spider-Man’ is uniting people across cultures and ages. People can piss on theatrical all they want, but that’s one thing that only movies — and movie theaters — can do.”
Rothman also said he hopes Tom Holland continues playing Spider-Man, confirming there is still “a world” where another sequel starring the actor could happen. Regarding Sony’s Marvel characters, he acknowledged that films like Kraven the Hunter and Madame Web failed to connect with audiences and confirmed there are no Marvel spin-off films currently in active development.
