Quentin Tarantino Trades Film for the Stage with British Farce Play
Quentin Tarantino is set to create a directorial comeback, but not in the way many expect. The filmmaker is developing an original stage play, an “vintage-fashioned British farce,” aiming for a West End premiere in London, potentially in the fall of 2027. Variety and IndieWire confirmed the news, initially reported by The Daily Mail.
From Cinema to Stage
This marks a shift for Tarantino, who previously scrapped plans for his tenth feature film, “The Movie Critic,” and handed directing duties for “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” (a continuation of the Brad Pitt character from “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”) to David Fincher for a Netflix release. Variety reports that Netflix teased the film with a Super Bowl trailer last month.
A Farce in the Tradition of British Comedy
Tarantino’s play is described as an “old-fashioned British farce” reminiscent of the physical comedy found in productions like “Noises Off,” and the work of playwrights Brian Rix and Ray Cooney, such as Cooney’s “Run for Your Wife.” Variety details it as a “door-slamming, trouser-dropping, mistaken identity” style comedy. Although the play draws inspiration from this tradition, it features an original story penned by Tarantino himself.
Potential for Hollywood and Rising Stars
While The Daily Mail suggested the possibility of Hollywood stars joining the production, Variety indicates the ensemble cast may include both rising and established actors.
Tarantino’s Theatrical Roots
This venture into theater isn’t entirely unexpected. Tarantino originally conceived his 2015 film, “The Hateful Eight,” as a stage play before adapting it for the big screen. Variety notes this suggests a natural affinity for the theatrical format.
Recent Projects
Prior to focusing on the play, Tarantino took on an acting role in Jamie Adams’ indie film, “Only What We Carry,” alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg and Simon Pegg. He also revisited his film “Kill Bill” by directing a lost scene within the video game “Fortnite.”