Rick Dalton's comeback? Rumored offer from Leo for a sequel to Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.

      Sony Pictures

      Earlier this month, the announcement of a sequel to Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood at Netflix caused a stir online. Fortunately for film enthusiasts, this was not an April Fool's Day prank. Subsequent reports confirmed that David Fincher will direct the follow-up, which features a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, with Brad Pitt returning to his Oscar-winning role as Cliff Booth.

      With Cliff back in the fold, the next question naturally centers on Rick Dalton. Will Leonardo DiCaprio make a return? DiCaprio is currently in discussions with Netflix about a potential cameo, which is expected to be more of a brief appearance than a prominent part.

      DiCaprio ranks among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, earning between $20 to $30 million per film. For his role in Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, set to be released in September, he was compensated $20 million. If he takes a cameo role in the OUATIH follow-up, he won't receive his usual fee, but it will still be a sum in the seven-figure range.

      During a recent episode of The Hot Mic, The InSneider’s Jeff Sneider revealed that DiCaprio has been “dragging his feet” in the negotiations with Netflix, indicating that he is seeking a higher payout, which has apparently frustrated Netflix, Fincher, and Pitt. “I’ve been told that DiCaprio was offered $3 million for a single day of shooting,” Sneider disclosed on the podcast.

      With rumors suggesting filming could start by late summer, DiCaprio will need to make a decision soon before he locks in his next project.

      Sony Pictures

      According to Sean Fennessey from The Ringer, the OUATIH follow-up will take place in 1977 and should be viewed as The Further Adventures of Cliff Booth rather than a direct sequel.

      Directed and written by Tarantino, the 2019 film Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood showcased the dynamic between an aging Rick Dalton and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, as they face the challenges of a changing industry. The film also features Rick’s neighbor, Sharon Tate (played by Margot Robbie), and explores the effects of the Manson family.

      Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood earned over $392 million globally and received 10 Oscar nominations, winning awards for Best Supporting Actor (Pitt) and Best Production Design.