Quentin Tarantino Reveals the Real Reason He Walked Away From His 10th and “Final” Film

Quentin Tarantino has finally shed light on why he decided to cancel what was supposed to be his tenth and final movie, The Movie Critic.

The director, known for bold storytelling and cult classics like Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has long teased that he would retire after his 10th film. Fans believed The Movie Critic would be his swan song. The project, set in 1977 California, was expected to follow the life of a film critic, blending Tarantino’s trademark wit with Hollywood nostalgia. But in April 2024, the filmmaker unexpectedly pulled the plug, leaving audiences wondering why.

Now, speaking on The Church of Tarantino podcast, the 62-year-old director revealed his thought process and admitted that his own creative challenge may have been the project’s undoing.

Tarantino explained: "No one’s waiting for this thing per se. I mean, I can do it whenever I want. I mean, it’s already written. So OK, let me just not start it right now. Let me try writing it as a movie and let me see if it’s better that way. And I was like, ‘Oh, OK, no, I think this is going to be the movie.’ And then it wasn’t. I pulled the plug on it. And the reason I pulled the plug, it’s a little crazy."

Quentin Tarantino has explained why he decided to cancel the film

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The “crazy” reason was tied to a personal dare he set for himself. "There was a challenge that I gave to myself when I did it. Can I take the most boring profession in the world and make it an interesting movie? Every Tarantino title promises so much, except The Movie Critic.

"Who wants to see a TV show about a f****** movie critic? Who wants to see a movie called The Movie Critic? If I can actually make a movie or a TV show about somebody who watches movies interesting, that is an accomplishment."

Moreover, the study also suggests that people who have achieved a high level of success in their careers, like Tarantino, often seek new challenges or want to explore different aspects of their identities. It's not uncommon for them to move on from their successful careers to pursue something they're more passionate about or have always wanted to do. This could potentially explain Tarantino's decision to stop after his 10th film.

The director said the movie was a 'spiritual sequel to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood'

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A “Spiritual Sequel” That Never Was

While Tarantino ultimately scrapped the film, he revealed it was envisioned as a companion piece to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. "It’s a spiritual sequel to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood in so far as they take place in the same world and they take place in the same town. But there were no crossover characters."

Fans speculated that Brad Pitt might reprise his Oscar-winning role as stuntman Cliff Booth, but Tarantino dismissed the chatter outright. "That’s all a bunch of bull****. That never was the case ever, ever, ever," he said.

The director’s decision to halt The Movie Critic raises the question: is Tarantino truly done with filmmaking?

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Understanding the Psychology of Career Closure

When we think about Quentin Tarantino's decision to step away from filmmaking, it could be seen as a form of career closure. According to research conducted by Professor Sherry E. Sullivan and Dr. Yehuda Baruch, career closure is a process where individuals disconnect from their professional identity. This can happen when they feel a sense of completion or when they lose interest in their work.

A Story That Excited Him—But Only on Paper

Even though Tarantino loved writing the script, he admitted his enthusiasm faded when it came to actually bringing it to life. "I really, really like The Movie Critic," he confessed. "I was so excited about the writing, but I wasn’t really that excited about dramatizing what I wrote once we were in pre-production."

This candid admission sheds light on why the project fizzled. For Tarantino, crafting the story was creatively fulfilling, but the prospect of filming it didn’t spark the same fire that fueled his earlier movies.

What Comes Next for Tarantino?

The director’s decision to halt The Movie Critic raises the question: is Tarantino truly done with filmmaking? While he has stated for years that he would retire after 10 films, his comments suggest he may still leave the door open. With the script already written, fans may wonder if The Movie Critic could someday reemerge in another form—perhaps as a TV series or even a novel.

For now, Tarantino seems at peace with shelving the project. His legacy is already cemented in film history, and if his career truly ends at nine features, his final completed work, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, stands as a fitting farewell to the world he’s spent decades reimagining.

Creativity and Psychological Well-being

Another psychological perspective to consider is the link between creativity and psychological well-being. According to research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, engaging in creative activities can contribute to an individual's overall well-being and happiness. Hence, Tarantino's decision to step away from the filmmaking industry doesn't necessarily mean he's done with creativity. Instead, he may be choosing to channel his creative energies elsewhere, possibly in a way that brings him greater joy and satisfaction.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, while fans may be disappointed with Tarantino's decision to retire, it is important to understand that such decisions often stem from a deep, personal journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of happiness. As highlighted by research on self-determination theory, individuals are more likely to experience psychological well-being when they are autonomous and can pursue their own interests and values. Therefore, it's crucial to respect Tarantino's decision as possibly a step towards enhancing his psychological well-being.