The First Images That ‘Blew Up’ Social Media: Brad Pitt Still the True “Hollywood Man”

Brad Pitt has once again taken the internet by storm. The first behind-the-scenes photos of the actor reprising his iconic role as Cliff Booth in the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood have just surfaced, and fans can’t stop talking about it. The images, which quickly went viral on social media, have reignited the buzz surrounding one of Quentin Tarantino’s most beloved universes.

Pitt, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the original film, is back in character — and looking sharper than ever. The set photos, shared by Just Jared, feature the 61-year-old star in action alongside familiar faces, hinting at a return to the high-stakes, stylized world of 1960s Hollywood.

Cliff Booth Returns: A Role That Defined a New Chapter

For many moviegoers, Cliff Booth was a standout character that blended charm, mystery, and raw physicality. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the stuntman-turned-sidekick became a pop culture icon, largely due to Pitt’s effortless performance. With his sun-kissed California swagger, laid-back demeanor, and explosive action sequences, Booth quickly became a fan favorite.

Now, with these new set images, it’s clear that Pitt is channeling that same energy in the sequel. Wearing his signature denim jacket, aviator shades, and a quiet smirk, Pitt looks like he hasn’t missed a beat. Fans online have praised how he seems to have stepped right back into the role, calling him the embodiment of the “Hollywood man” — suave, fearless, and undeniably cool.

The Internet Reacts: Pitt Still Owns the Spotlight

Shortly after the photos dropped, social media platforms lit up. Hashtags like #BradPittIsBack, #CliffBoothLives, and #HollywoodRoyalty began trending within hours. Fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with side-by-side comparisons of Pitt then and now, marveling at his ageless appearance and screen presence.

One tweet with over 100,000 likes read: “Brad Pitt walking back on set as Cliff Booth is the coolest thing you’ll see all week.” Another user commented, “This man is 61 and still runs Hollywood. Respect.”

Film critics and entertainment journalists also chimed in, noting how rare it is for a sequel to maintain the same level of cultural anticipation as the original. But with Pitt’s return and Tarantino reportedly consulting on the project, the buzz feels more like a blockbuster premiere than just a follow-up.

Famous Co-Stars Spotted On Set

The photos also feature a few familiar names from the first film, including Leonardo DiCaprio, who reprises his role as fading actor Rick Dalton. While DiCaprio wasn’t as prominently featured in the initial image dump, sources say he filmed a pivotal scene with Pitt in downtown Los Angeles earlier this week.

Also spotted was Margaret Qualley, who portrayed the enigmatic Manson family hitchhiker “Pussycat” in the original. Her presence adds intrigue, suggesting the sequel might explore new timelines or narratives linked to the darker underbelly of 1960s California.

Rumors are swirling that Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya have also joined the cast in undisclosed roles, signaling a potential blend of old and new Hollywood — a theme Tarantino has long championed in his storytelling.

A Sequel Years in the Making

After the critical and commercial success of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019, fans hoped a follow-up would arrive sooner. But Quentin Tarantino, who has long maintained he would direct only 10 films before retiring, opted not to helm the sequel. Instead, he’s serving as executive producer and story consultant, leaving directorial duties to a trusted protégé from his inner circle.

The film, reportedly titled Hollywood After Dark, is being directed by Lawrence Bennett, a longtime Tarantino collaborator. While little is known about the plot, insiders hint it will follow Booth and Dalton as they grapple with a rapidly changing film industry in the early 1970s.

Pitt’s character, in particular, is expected to play a larger role, possibly taking on a new protege of his own — a subplot that fans believe could tie into Chalamet’s casting.

Brad Pitt: Timeless, Iconic, and Still Hollywood’s Leading Man

What stands out most from the new photos isn’t just nostalgia — it’s how Brad Pitt remains a timeless force in Hollywood. With a career spanning over three decades, Pitt has consistently reinvented himself without losing the essence of what makes him a screen legend. From Fight Club to Inglourious Basterds to Babylon, his range continues to evolve.

But Cliff Booth might be the character that best encapsulates Pitt’s undeniable cool. He’s both rugged and refined, silent but impactful, grounded yet mythic. And judging by the online response, audiences are ready to ride shotgun with Booth once again.

Entertainment writer April Morgan summed it up best: “When Brad Pitt walks on set as Cliff Booth, cinema magic happens. This isn’t just a comeback — it’s a continuation of something legendary.”

What Comes Next: Release Date and Hype Building

The studio has yet to announce an official release date, but sources say the film is slated for a Summer 2026 premiere, with trailers expected to drop in early 2026. Filming is expected to wrap by the end of this year, with several high-profile shooting locations lined up across California, Nevada, and Texas.

Until then, fans can expect more teasers, more photos, and undoubtedly more viral moments — because when Brad Pitt steps into a character like Cliff Booth, every glimpse is a headline.