Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt Reportedly Had Tension on ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ Set

A new behind-the-scenes story has emerged about Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt from the set of Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, as reported in an interview by People.

Actor Bruce Dern shared the story while promoting a documentary about his career at the Cannes Film Festival. He recounted a moment during the filming of the 2019 movie when Pitt and Tarantino had a minor disagreement on set.

Dern explained that the incident occurred during a scene he filmed with Pitt. While performing, Dern decided to add an improvised line to his dialogue.

He mentioned, “When Brad Pitt wakes me up in ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,’ I’m in the bed and I get up and I’m a little groggy and stuff and I just say, ‘I’m not really sure what’s going on,’ I’m looking at him.”

According to Dern, Pitt halted the camera during the take, which created a tense atmosphere on set.

Dern described Tarantino’s reaction, stating, “The look on Quentin’s face — I mean, he was insanely grave — and he said, ‘Brad, what did you just do?’”

He continued by recalling Tarantino’s stern response to the interruption: “He said, ‘Well, I cut the camera.’ He said, ‘Never again in your life will you ever cut a camera or you’ll be dead in this business. That’s my domain. Don’t stop behavior,’” Dern recounted.

The moment reportedly concluded without further conflict, and filming resumed after the situation was addressed. Pitt also noted that the line was not in the script, prompting a quick reset of the scene.

Despite the brief tension, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood went on to become one of Tarantino’s most acclaimed films. The movie received positive reviews from both critics and audiences and garnered multiple awards and nominations.

The film received 10 Academy Award nominations and won two, including Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt.

Set in late 1960s Hollywood, the film follows a fading actor and his stunt double as they navigate a transforming film industry. It features a large ensemble cast and became one of the most discussed releases of 2019.

Neither Tarantino nor Pitt has publicly commented on Bruce Dern’s account of the incident.

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