Quentin Tarantino is bringing his storytelling to the West End stage, with a new play slated to begin production in January.
Tarantino Eyes West End Debut with New Play
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Quentin Tarantino, the visionary director behind cinematic masterpieces like Pulp Fiction and Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, revealed a significant new project: a stage play set to debut in London’s West End. The announcement came during a recent appearance on “The Church of Tarantino” podcast, where the filmmaker shared that the script is complete and production will commence in January. He anticipates the theatrical endeavor will occupy about a year and a half to two years of his life.
This move into live theater aligns with Tarantino’s broader career trajectory. Having previously expressed that his next film will be his last as a director, he has diversified his creative output. His recent ventures include writing fiction and nonfiction books, as well as a script for a sequel to Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, which is reportedly being directed by David Fincher. The West End play marks his latest expansion beyond filmmaking.
While specific details about the play remain scarce, its impending arrival in the bustling West End theatre district invites considerable speculation about its potential form and content, drawing upon Tarantino’s distinctive stylistic hallmarks.
Option One: A Musical Spectacle
Stuck in the middle … of a row? Reservoir Dogs. Photograph: Rank Film/Allstar
Music is an undeniable cornerstone of Tarantino’s cinematic language. Given the West End’s thriving musical theatre scene, a musical adaptation of one of his films seems a natural fit. Imagine a stage version of Reservoir Dogs, with characters emerging in slow motion to sing “Little Green Bag,” or Mr. Blonde delivering a chilling rendition of “Stuck in the Middle With You” during his infamous ear-cutting scene. Alternatively, Tarantino could craft an entirely new musical, perhaps a jukebox-style production built around the songs of a popular artist, mirroring the immense success of shows like Mamma Mia!.
Option Two: A Classic Murder Mystery
Tarantinodunnit … the 2021 cast of The Mousetrap. Photograph: Tristram Kenton/the Guardian
Tarantino excels at crafting narratives deeply rooted in specific locales, from Los Angeles in Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood to Japan in Kill Bill. With the West End’s rich theatrical history, a tribute to its enduring traditions, such as The Mousetrap, could be a compelling direction. A Tarantino-penned detective story would not only honor London’s theatrical heritage but also offer the potential for long-term success, much like Agatha Christie’s iconic play, ensuring its performance for generations to come.
Option Three: A Film Adaptation
Might need a rewrite … Maid in Manhattan. Photograph: Barry Wetcher/AP
The current West End landscape features numerous successful plays adapted from films, including Harry Potter, The Devil Wears Prada, and Back to the Future. This trend suggests a lucrative path for Tarantino: adapting a beloved movie for the stage. A particularly bold suggestion could be a musical adaptation of Maid in Manhattan. While adapting it, Tarantino could infuse his signature style, perhaps by reimagining the plot’s reveal or adding his characteristic brand of dramatic flair, ensuring both artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
Option Four: A Tarantino Comedy
Probably where this is heading … The Play That Goes Wrong. Photograph: Tristram Kenton/the Guardian
Tarantino has previously expressed interest in writing a comedy, finding the challenge of audience engagement particularly appealing. The West End offers a vast canvas for such a venture. One could envision a darkly comedic play, perhaps a twist on The Play That Goes Wrong, where a meticulously planned heist devolves into bloody, chaotic mayhem, culminating in the audience being an integral part of the unfolding, violent spectacle.
