Armenian actor Karren Karagulian has officially joined the cast of “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” the highly-anticipated sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” which is scheduled for release in 2026. The film is written by Quentin Tarantino, directed by David Fincher, and stars Brad Pitt, who reprises his Oscar-winning role as Cliff Booth, reports Armenian Film Society.
The confirmation follows months of speculation after Karagulian was spotted filming alongside Pitt during a July shoot in Los Angeles. At the time, images from the set showed Karagulian filming scenes with Pitt at the Beverly Cinema, fueling industry buzz before his casting was formally announced. Pitt was seen filming at the historic theater, where a poster for Richard Pryor’s 1977 film “Which Way Is Up?” was visible on display, hinting that the sequel takes place approximately eight years after the events of the original film.
In “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” 61-year-old Pitt returns as the fan-favorite character, now several years removed from his days as a stuntman and transitioning into work as a Hollywood fixer. The sequel features a notable ensemble cast that includes Scott Caan, Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Corey Fogelmanis, and Carla Gugino. Fogelmanis’ casting was announced by Deadline on the same day as the July set sightings, further confirming the scale of the production.
Karagulian is best known for his frequent collaborations with director Sean Baker and for his role as Toros in Baker’s Oscar-winning film “Anora.” His growing presence in major Hollywood productions has positioned him as one of the most visible Armenian actors working in international cinema today.
Earlier this year, during a visit to Armenia for the 2025 Golden Apricot Film Festival, Karagulian hinted that he was involved in a “wonderful project” but declined to share further details. That project has now been revealed to be one of the most high-profile films currently in production.
In recognition of his contributions to film and his rising international profile, Karren Karagulian was honored by the Armenian Film Society at the Armenian Film Society Gala in September 2025. The honor celebrated both his artistic achievements and his role in elevating Armenian representation in global cinema.
