If the latest rumors are true, it looks like director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight, Django Unchained) may be quietly starting work on a movie based on the Charles Manson murders. The film is said to be “a unique take on the Manson Family”.
According to THR, the director has been meeting with A-list actors, and is presently working on a script. Sources say that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lawrence have allegedly been approached to be part of the film. Harvey and Bob Weinstein are said to be involved as producers on the film. There are no concrete story details right now, but part of the movie will reportedly be centered on the point of view of Sharon Tate, actress and wife to controversial director Roman Polanski. Manson’s followers broke into the Tate residence in the summer of 1969, murdering a pregnant Sharon Tate as well as four guests.
Charles Manson infamously interpreted The Beatles song “Helter Skelter” as a secret message for Manson and followers to “rise up”, and start a race war.
UPDATE: According to Deadline, Tarantino has also met with Margot Robbie about the role of Sharon Tate, and Samuel L. Jackson is reportedly set to play one of the lead roles.
That’s all the information available right now, but that’s enough to let the mind go wild. First of all, this is Tarantino’s first film based on true events. One could argue that Inglorious Basterds was the director’s first, but Tarantino famously (and brilliantly) altered the course of history in that film. Who knows? Maybe he will do the same with the Manson murders, although that seems doubtful. This would also be his first dip into the horror genre: the Manson murders are certainly horrific.
The movie is apparently set to start shooting in the summer of 2018.
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Originally published July 12, 2017. Updated December 17, 2019.
