David Fincher reportedly leaves Netflix deal after budget clash over Cliff Booth
Page Six, cited by The Playlist, AV Club and World of Reel, reports that David Fincher’s decision not to renew his Netflix deal followed disagreements with film chairman Dan Lin over the budget and creative limits on The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth. Fincher’s exclusive deal expires in 2027; Netflix has not publicly established that the reported clash was the reason for his departure.
Bottom line — Cliff Booth is scheduled for an IMAX release on 25 November, followed by Netflix streaming on 23 December.
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World of Reel reports that Fincher sought more time and money for additional filming; Netflix eventually approved a few days of photography.
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The Playlist says Fincher was also exhausted and had no immediate projects lined up; it reports that projects he developed at Netflix are effectively dead.
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World of Reel puts the film’s budget at more than €172 million ($200 million) and reports €34 million ($40 million) for Brad Pitt, €17 million ($20 million) for Fincher and more than €17 million ($20 million) for Quentin Tarantino.
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The Playlist reports that Lin, who took over Netflix’s film division in 2024, has pursued a more cost-conscious approach than predecessor Scott Stuber.
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The Playlist says Greta Gerwig also experienced reported friction with Lin over early cuts of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew; Netflix has not confirmed those accounts.