Quentin Tarantino’s First On-Screen Role in 27 Years: ‘Only What We Carry’ Details

Quentin Tarantino Returns to Acting with Significant Role in ‘Only What We Carry’

October 27, 2025 – Quentin Tarantino is stepping back in front of the camera for a substantial acting role in Jamie Adams’ upcoming drama, “Only What We Carry.” This marks Tarantino’s most significant on-screen appearance since his performance in Robert Rodriguez’s 1996 film, “From Dusk Till Dawn.”

The film, which recently wrapped production in Deauville, France, boasts an international ensemble cast including Simon Pegg, Sofia Boutella, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Liam Hellmann, and singer Lizzy McAlpine. The project is described as “a meditation on love, loss, and the quiet courage it takes to move forward,” set against the backdrop of Normandy.

Tarantino will portray John Percy, Julian’s (played by Pegg) old friend, whose unexpected arrival “stirs long-buried truths,” according to a synopsis of the film. Gainsbourg will play Josephine Chabrol, Charlotte Levant’s (Boutella) protective sister. The narrative centers on Julian Johns, “a once-formidable instructor whose former student Charlotte Levant returns home to face the ghosts of her past.” Hellmann plays Vincent, “a restless artist caught between love and loyalty,” and McAlpine portrays Jacqueline, “a young aspiring dancer whose presence forces everyone to confront the weight of what they’ve left behind.”

While Tarantino has made cameo appearances in many of his own films, including “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019), this role represents a significant departure, signaling a renewed focus on acting. The director has largely concentrated on his work behind the camera for the past two decades.

Jamie Adams, the writer and director of “Only What We Carry,” described the production as a long-held dream. “It’s always been a dream of mine to shoot an Eric Rohmer styled picture in Normandy, a dream that included collaborating with an exceptional international ensemble cast and crew,” Adams said. “It turns out that by embracing the freedoms of independent cinema, that dream has come true.”

The film is produced by Charles Benoin, Liam Hellmann, and Jouri Smit. “Only What We Carry” is currently preparing for Berlin world sales, according to Deadline.

Reports indicate that Tarantino is also reportedly re-evaluating plans for his tenth feature film, suggesting a potential shift in priorities as he explores opportunities as an actor.

Tarantino’s previous work as an actor extends beyond his self-directed projects. He appeared in “From Dusk Till Dawn” alongside George Clooney, a role that was considered his largest acting part prior to “Only What We Carry.” His films as a director, such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Inglourious Basterds,” have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing him as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.