Bruce Dern to replace Burt Reynolds for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

A torch has been passed on the set of Quentin Tarantino’s ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, as Deadline has exclusively announced that Bruce Dern will replace the late Burt Reynolds as the character George Spahn for Sony Pictures upcoming comedic drama that revolves around the Manson Family murders of 1969. Dern’s appointment to the role comes after the unfortunate passing of legendary actor Burt Reynolds, who died on September 6th after complications brought on by a heart attack. He was 82.

When Dern steps in for his dearly-departed friend, he’ll share a stage with an overwhelming amount of talented individuals set to star in the film. Have you seen the list of contributing actors yet? It’s almost to the point of being intimidating. Don’t believe me? Well, set to star in Tarantino’s ninth feature are Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, James Marsden, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth, Timothy Olyphant, Damian Lewis, Lena Dunham, Emile Hirsch, Luke Perry, Scoot McNairy and James Remar. See what I mean? Impressive, no?

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD is set to take place in Los Angeles during the summer of 1969, when Charles Manson and his twisted band of followers violently murdered American actress and model Sharon Tate, in addition to several others.

While the loss of Reynolds it truly a blow to the senses, I think it feels good to know that a close friend of his will be stepping in to make certain that the role doesn’t end up on the cutting room floor. Let us know how you feel about Dern taking over for Reynolds in the comments section below.

Meanwhile, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD will arrive in theaters July 26, 2019.