Fincher & Netflix Part Ways After Decade

David Fincher will conclude his exclusive decade-long agreement with Netflix when it expires next year. The acclaimed director, known for 'Mank,' 'The Killer,' and series such as 'House of Cards' and 'Mindhunter,' will not be renewing his contract with the streaming giant.

Rumors suggest that disagreements over creative control, especially during the production of 'The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,' may have influenced this decision. This film, a follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' stars Brad Pitt and was written and produced by Tarantino. Fincher reportedly desired additional time and resources for reshoots, which Netflix did not fully accommodate.

The upcoming 'Cliff Booth' film is slated for a November 25 Imax release, followed by its Netflix debut on December 23. This departure comes after Netflix canceled Fincher's Americanized 'Squid Game' series, 'Heckler.' Other potential projects like a 'Chinatown' spinoff and a remake of 'Rope' are now uncertain.

Fincher's exit aligns with a broader trend of prominent creators seeking opportunities elsewhere. Noah Baumbach recently moved to Warner Bros., and Shawn Levy signed with Disney+. The Duffer Brothers also departed for Paramount. Netflix's animation deal with Skydance Animation has also ended prematurely.