LeBron James has revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio once told him about Once Upon a Time in Hollywood before the film went into production. The story, shared during an ESPN interview, offers a glimpse into the overlap between Hollywood and elite sports circles. It shows how conversations about major films can happen far from studio lots, often in casual, high-profile settings.

Speaking to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, LeBron James recalled a dinner at Avra in Beverly Hills where the actor outlined the tone and story. The conversation gave him a rare early look at a project still in its formative stage. James described the moment as surreal, noting how unusual it was to hear such detailed insight directly from a lead actor before production.

The experience felt even more significant given the scale and reputation of the film’s director, Quentin Tarantino. It highlighted the kind of access that comes with moving in elite circles.

"I just showed up [to Avra] and Leo was there,” the NBA star said.

The evening took another memorable turn when Al Pacino joined the table. James admitted he was starstruck, especially as a fan of The Godfather and Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone. For the NBA star, the night reflected how far he had come from his early days in Akron.

That blend of Hollywood legacy and storytelling now continues as the Once Upon a Time universe expands in a new direction.

A new chapter in the Once Upon a Time universe

The upcoming spinoff, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, centered on Cliff Booth shifts focus to Brad Pitt’s character, turning the enigmatic stuntman into a leading figure. The project is written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by David Fincher. It aims to explore deeper layers of Cliff’s past and personality.

Rather than revisiting the original film’s central storyline, the new installment leans into a character-driven narrative. It examines the darker and more ambiguous side of 1960s Hollywood through Cliff’s perspective. This approach expands the universe while maintaining the tone that defined the original film.

The cast includes Timothy Olyphant, Elizabeth Debicki, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II alongside Brad Pitt. Together, they bring fresh energy to a story that blends nostalgia with new storytelling angles. The project positions itself as both a companion piece and an evolution of the original film’s world.

What do you think about LeBron James' encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra