Quentin Tarantino Makes Surprise Return to the Big Screen

Quentin Tarantino is stepping back into filmmaking, but this time it’s not as a director. According to Variety, the legendary filmmaker has joined the cast of Only What We Carry, a new independent film directed by Jamie Adams.

The project came together after a Zoom call between Adams and Tarantino, which convinced the Pulp Fiction creator to come out of retirement for a short, low-budget shoot.

The movie was filmed in Deauville, France, over six days at the end of September, using improvised performances instead of a traditional script.

Set on the coast of Normandy, the film follows Julian Johns, played by Simon Pegg, a once-respected teacher whose former student, Charlotte Levant (played by Sofia Boutella), returns to face the past she left behind.

Tarantino plays John Percy, Julian’s old friend whose unexpected arrival shakes up the lives of everyone involved. The cast also includes Charlotte Gainsbourg as Josephine, Charlotte’s protective sister; Liam Hellmann as Vincent, an artist torn between his feelings and loyalty; and musician Lizzy McAlpine in her first film role as Jacqueline, a young dancer who changes the lives of those around her.

Simon Pegg described the experience as refreshing and creative. “Creatively speaking, working on ‘Only What We Carry’ was like going back to school. It was an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable experience in the tradition of Eric Rohmer and Mike Leigh, with a group of truly amazing people,” Pegg said in a statement to Variety.

Director Jamie Adams, known for his relaxed and improvised style seen in films like She Is Love and Wild Honey Pie!, said making this movie was a personal dream.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to shoot an Eric Rohmer-styled picture in Normandy, a dream that included collaborating with an exceptional international ensemble cast and crew. It turns out by embracing the freedoms of independent cinema that dream has come true,” Adams shared.

The film was produced by Charles Benoin, Liam Hellmann, and Jouri Smit through Atlas Pictures and Easy of the Eye.

While Tarantino has long said he planned to retire after his tenth film, Only What We Carry shows that he hasn’t completely stepped away from the camera. Instead of directing, he’s exploring new creative ground as an actor in an intimate and experimental setting.

It’s surprising, but exciting, to see Tarantino take part in something so different from his usual work. It’s a reminder that even after decades in Hollywood, he’s still willing to take creative risks. What do you think about Tarantino’s unexpected return? Share your thoughts in the comments.