Three million for one day, and he still said no. What did this sequel ask for that made even Leonardo DiCaprio walk away?

Leonardo DiCaprio just turned his back on a golden cameo, and the sequel is rolling on without him. With David Fincher at the helm and Brad Pitt slipping back into Cliff Booth’s boots, the film is expected in 2026 on Netflix with Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and the return of Timothy Olyphant. DiCaprio salutes Fincher’s vision yet keeps his calendar for a Hawaii-set Scorsese thriller and advanced talks on Michael Mann’s Heat 2. Hollywood’s most-watched reunion suddenly tells a different story.

A tantalizing offer turned down by Leonardo DiCaprio

What would you do for $3 million and just one day of work? For Leonardo DiCaprio, the answer is clear: he declined. Netflix had offered him this jaw-dropping sum to reprise his role in the sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Despite this, the actor chose to step aside, leaving fans of the 2019 hit intrigued. Why did he say no?

A sequel with fresh direction

Unlike the original, this sequel will be helmed by David Fincher, a filmmaker admired for his meticulous storytelling. Brad Pitt is set to return as Cliff Booth, the charming stuntman who earned him an Academy Award. With Timothy Olyphant reprising his role as James Stacy and new faces like Elizabeth Debicki and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II joining the cast, Netflix has assembled an ambitious project. Slated for release in 2026, it promises excitement with just a hint of mystery.

A masterpiece to follow

The original film, released in 2019, captivated audiences with its nostalgic depiction of 1960s Hollywood. With an ensemble cast including DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, it went on to earn critical acclaim and accolades. Available for streaming on Netflix, it remains a benchmark for films that blend genres and explore the quirky magic of Hollywood’s golden era. Expectations for the sequel, therefore, are understandably high.

What lies ahead for DiCaprio?

Though declining this role, the actor is far from idle. He’s preparing to work with Martin Scorsese on a thriller set in Hawaii, showcasing his continued collaboration with the iconic director. Meanwhile, reports suggest he’s in advanced conversations to join Heat 2, a sequel to Michael Mann’s celebrated 1995 crime thriller. It seems DiCaprio’s calendar will remain filled with captivating projects, even if Fincher’s sequel won’t be one of them.

The sequel’s future on Netflix

While disappointment lingers over DiCaprio’s absence, the sequel is forging ahead with an impressive cast and a powerhouse like David Fincher at the helm. Netflix is banking on its release as a streaming event of 2026, with fans already speculating on where the story will go next. Will it live up to the charm of its predecessor? That remains to be seen!