Burt Reynolds didn't film Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' before his death

Cinema legend Burt Reynolds will not appear in Quentin Tarantino's next film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".

Reynolds, who passed away on Thursday following reports of a heart attack, was set to star in the film alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Al Pacino.

"My uncle was looking forward to working with Quentin Tarantino, and the amazing cast that was assembled," Reynolds' niece Nancy Lee told People magazine.

Production on the film began earlier this summer, but Reynolds, according to Variety, was not meant to start filming until the end of September.

"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is set during the time of the Manson murders in 1969 and follows a television actor and his stunt double who to try to make it in the industry.

Reynolds was set to play George Spahn, the nearly-blind ranch owner whose property was invaded by Charles Manson (Damon Herriman) and his notorious 'family' in the months leading up to the crime.