Cast This: Charles Manson

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Before we came to learn more about the project, it was initially said that Quentin Tarantino's ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD would revolve around the Manson Family murders, a series of horrific attacks committed by members of the Manson Family under the instructions of Charles Manson during the summer of 1969. Although those murders will still serve as a backdrop to the film, the main story of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD will follow Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former Western TV star, and his longtime stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), as they struggle to make it in a Hollywood they no longer recognize. Dalton also happens to have a very famous next-door neighbour, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), one of the victim's of the Manson Family's reign of terror.

Quentin Tarantino recently spoke about ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD at CinemaCon and spilled a few small details about the upcoming film. "It's all is very hush-hush and top secret and under wraps. So, I can't really go into any big details of the story. But, what I can tell you is that Once Upon A Time In Hollywood takes place during the Hollywood era of 1969," Tarantino said. "It takes place at the height of the counterculture explosion. It takes place at the time of the hippie revolution and it takes place at the height of new Hollywood. And, during this summer, little by little, block by block, we will be transforming Los Angeles into the psychadelic era of Hollywood in 1969 to be prepared for 2019." The director added that the film "is probably the closest to PULP FICTION I've done, as opposed to a movie that really is a Los Angeles movie and it deals with a couple of lead characters, but a lot of wild supporting characters that kind of make a blanket throughout the town."

In addition to Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, talks have begun with Timothy Olyphant, Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Burt Reynolds to take on roles in the film, with Reynolds said to be playing George Spahn, the 80-year old man who allowed Charles Manson and his followers to live on his ranch. In exchange for rent, Manson reportedly ordered his female followers to sleep with Spahn as well as serve as seeing eye guides for the nearly-blind man. It's not known whether Charles Manson will actually appear in the flesh in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, but if I were a betting man, and I'm not, I could see Manson turning up for a small but highly memorable role.

Quentin Tarantino is well known for repeatedly diving into his own little stable of actors, and I could certainly see the director filling the role of Charles Manson with one of his regulars. I'll get the ball rolling by suggesting Walton Goggins for the role, one of my all-time favourite actors who has worked with Tarantino before on DJANGO UNCHAINED and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. He may be a good decade older than Charles Manson was during this period, but when has historical accuracy ever stood in Quentin Tarantino's way? While we're talking about actors who may be a little too old for the role, I'll up the ante with John Hawkes (THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI), a fabulous actor who has previously had experience playing cult leaders in MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE. For my final suggestion, I'll throw out the more age appropriate Robert Pattinson (GOODTIME).

Remember, you're free to suggest anyone in the comments, so let your inner casting director run wild!

Previously on Cast This, you were asked to fill the role of Marc Spector aka Moon Knight, a skilled fighter and detective who serves as the avatar of the Egyptian moon god Konshu. Moon Knight's multiple personalities make him quite the interesting character, and you came though with LOTS of great suggestions. Jake Gyllenhaal (STRONGER) was the clear favourite for the role, but Idris Elba (Luther) and James Norton (McMafia) were also brought up as possible contenders.