Quentin Tarantino will be tapping Bruce Dern to step in as George Spahn in his upcoming film Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. The role was originally filled by Dern’s longtime friend Burt Reynolds, who unfortunately passed before being able to film any of his scenes. Dern recently worked with Tarantino on 2015’s The Hateful Eight, playing former Confederate general Sanford Smithers.
Dern is currently filming another film, titled Remeber Me, in Spain. However, the director of that film rearranged their schedule to allow Dern to film Once.
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood will feature a Pulp Fiction style branching narrative set in 1969 Los Angeles. The film will revolve around the murders of Shanon Tate and others by Charles Manson and his followers.
Filming is currently underway on the project, Tarantino is directing as well as producing alongside Shannon McIntosh and David Heyman. Tarantino has a history of drawing big talent to his films and Once is no exception. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, and Kurt Russell will all appear, among others.
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is set to hit theaters July 26, 2019.
This story was first reported by Deadline.
