The Flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Was Real

By The Backlot

@backlotfriends

Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio sit together at a table in a warmly lit vintage restaurant booth, both laughing mid-conversation, with cocktails on the table between them.

The flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was real.

Leonardo DiCaprio fired it at actual stuntmen in the climax sequence. The first time he used it, he felt bad for the stuntmen. Then the heat wafted back into his face and he developed chronic headaches that lasted the rest of the day.

Brad Pitt trained in martial arts before and after each shooting day for his fight sequences. The coordinator focused on authentic technique over choreography. Pitt always came ready.

Quentin Tarantino used over 100 locations across Los Angeles and refused digital technology to recreate the 1960s. DiCaprio took a 25% pay cut from his usual rate to make the film. He and Pitt were Tarantino's first choices for both roles.

Available to rent.

Quick Facts

The Flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Was Real

DirectorQuentin Tarantino

CastLeonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant

GenreComedy, Drama, Thriller

Release2019-07-24

Runtime162 min

Rated7.4/10

Instagram caption

The flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was real. DiCaprio fired it at actual stuntmen, the heat came back into his face, and he spent the day with chronic headaches. #OnceUponATimeInHollywood #Backlot

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The flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was real. DiCaprio fired it at stuntmen, the heat wafted back, and he had chronic headaches all day. Available to rent. #OUATIH #Backlot

The flamethrower in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was real.

Brad Pitt trained in martial arts before and after each shooting day for his fight sequences. The coordinator focused on authentic technique over choreography. Pitt always came ready.

Available to rent.