Since the release of Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist Western thriller The Hateful Eight in 2015, fans had been eagerly awaiting the director’s next project for a torturous four years. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), his grandiose crime drama delves into the relationship between the Manson family murders and a fictional TV actor (& his stunt double).

It is not merely a film; it’s Tarantino’s cinematic celebration of an era—a star-studded tableau that emphatically stakes its claim as one of 2019’s best displays of acting talent. Under the skillful direction of casting director Victoria Thomas, whose ability to bring the fabled talents of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio together to create a screen sensation, the cast of the movie was more brilliant than ever. 

Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney, Al Pacino, Austin Butler, Dakota Fanning, and Bruce Dern are among the film’s exceptional ensemble cast members. 

The Future of Hollywood: The Cast of Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 Movie Shines Bright

When it comes to assembling a bewitching & star-studded cast, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood stands out as one of the best films of 2019. Featuring a cast that includes Tinseltown heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio & Brad Pitt alongside up-and-coming stars like Harley Quinn Smith and Margaret Qualley, this movie is a credit to the skill of the actors as well as the renowned casting director, Victoria Thomas.

With a lineup that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood’s past, present, and future, it seemed almost impossible that Tarantino and Thomas could pull it off. But pull it off, they did, with each actor delivering standout performances that perfectly complemented the film’s nostalgic yet modern tone.

The film’s supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from the likes of Sydney Sweeney, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Austin Butler, Bruce Dern, and Al Pacino. 

Each actor brings their own unique flair to their roles, adding depth and complexity to the cinematic world that Tarantino has created. As per Kit Lazer, a film & TV show critic (via Instagram): 

Quentin Tarantino’s Mansion family in a way predicted a five years of Hollywood… Almost everyone cast in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in a minor role has had a super successful career ever since. The movie should have been called the future of Hollywood.

As a casting director, Thomas’ reel of films also includes Django Unchained, Detroit, and The Harder They Fall (see IMDb). Madame Web is one of her most recent works. 

How to Stand Out in Victoria Thomas’ Casting Calls

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a masterclass in ensemble acting, with each member of the cast shining brightly in their own right. Victoria Thomas deserves just as much praise as the lead actors (Leonardo DiCaprio & Brad Pitt) for her impeccable casting choices, which breathe life into Quentin Tarantino’s vision & make the film a truly unforgettable experience.

So what does it take to ace the audition and impress Thomas? The casting director shared the process of casting in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (via Backstage):

Once I got the go-ahead, we had more conversations, and people came out of those that we knew we wanted to meet with. I started out auditioning for the Maxim girls. We met with actors like Luke Perry and Tim Olyphant for various parts. It’s a combination of conversations and auditions without [Tarantino] and with him before he starts shooting.

When asked what advice she would give actors who want to feature in a Quentin Tarantino flick, she said: 

Have some sense of who came before you, and that can hopefully impact your acting. The other things are what a lot of casting directors say: Prepare for your scenes, make a choice, but also be prepared to make another choice if I give you a direction. Someone will come in and do it once, and I give them a direction and they’ll do it exactly the same way.

Thereby, in an era when the future in the movie business may seem uncertain, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood mirrors the phenomenal bucket of talent. With its stellar cast and riveting performances, this film is not only a love letter to a bygone time but also a glimpse into the stirring future of Hollywood. 

Stream Once Upon a Time in Hollywood on Hulu.