Paul Thomas Anderson is back—and he’s bringing Leonardo DiCaprio along for the ride in what’s shaping up to be one of 2025’s most intriguing films. One Battle After Another is Anderson’s first feature since Licorice Pizza, and it looks like he’s trading nostalgic romance for an adrenaline-pumped political thriller laced with dark comedy and personal drama. The film is set for release on September 26, 2025, following a strategic delay from its initial August date to better align with award season and IMAX plans.
A High-Stakes Return to the Big Screen
One Battle After Another marks a major milestone: it’s the first-ever collaboration between Anderson and DiCaprio, two titans of modern cinema. The story revolves around Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), a burned-out former revolutionary who is reluctantly pulled back into action when his long-absent enemy resurfaces after 16 years. His mission? Reunite with his old crew to rescue his daughter from a dangerous captor. It’s a personal vendetta wrapped in political undertones and laced with Anderson’s trademark tonal shifts—from absurdist humor to gut-punch drama.
The screenplay is loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, a chaotic and countercultural tale set in a surveillance-heavy America. Fans of Inherent Vice will find some spiritual continuity here, but One Battle After Another takes a sharper, more action-driven approach—what insiders have called “Anderson’s version of an epic chase movie.”
First Trailer: A Glimpse into Anderson’s Wild New World
The official trailer, released earlier this month, offers a first look at the film’s unpredictable tone and visuals. We see DiCaprio’s character spiraling through high-speed pursuits, explosive gunfights, and moments of eerie quiet—all shot on 35mm film using VistaVision cameras, lending the movie a sweeping, cinematic look that echoes the best of 1970s thrillers.
The trailer hints at a genre-bending blend of slapstick, noir, and gritty realism, with stark California deserts and Texas highways as its backdrop. Expect something closer to No Country for Old Men colliding with Burn After Reading than a traditional action flick.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
DiCaprio leads a striking ensemble filled with both Hollywood heavyweights and indie darlings:
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson
- Sean Penn as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, a violent white supremacist antagonist
- Benicio del Toro
- Regina Hall
- Teyana Taylor, reportedly playing a revolutionary-turned-mercenary
- Alana Haim, continuing her partnership with Anderson after Licorice Pizza
- Chase Infiniti, Wood Harris, and Shayna McHayle (a.k.a. Junglepussy)
With DiCaprio reportedly earning $20 million for the role, Warner Bros. is clearly banking on the film’s awards potential and global draw.
Music, Budget, and Production Notes
Longtime Anderson collaborator Jonny Greenwood returns to score the film, marking their sixth collaboration. Greenwood’s experimental, string-heavy scores have helped define Anderson’s work since There Will Be Blood, and early feedback suggests this may be his most aggressive and unconventional effort yet.
The production budget is said to be around $140 million, making this Anderson’s most expensive film to date. Shot primarily in California and Texas, the film makes extensive use of practical effects and large-scale stunts. Producers include Anderson himself, Sara Murphy, and the late Adam Somner—adding an emotional layer to the behind-the-scenes story.
What’s New: Posters, Runtime, and Festival Speculation
Recently, Warner Bros. released stylized character posters featuring DiCaprio and Taylor with the tagline “Ready to Get Loud,” weapons in hand. These have flooded social media, helping build buzz ahead of what insiders believe will be a Venice Film Festival world premiere.
Multiple test screenings have led to a tightened runtime of 150 minutes, with some early reactions praising the film’s balance between chaotic violence and surprising emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts
One Battle After Another isn’t just another DiCaprio vehicle or Anderson’s next experimental drama—it’s both a throwback to radical ‘70s cinema and a very modern political thriller with satirical edges. Between its unique cast, rich visuals, and philosophical undertones, this is one fall release worth circling in bold red ink.
With Venice around the corner and marketing in full swing, the battle is just beginning—and this one could end with an Oscar.
Key Takeaways
- “One Battle After Another” starring Leonardo DiCaprio will be released in theaters on September 26, 2025.
- The Paul Thomas Anderson-directed thriller reunites former revolutionaries fighting to rescue a team member’s daughter.
- Warner Bros. has already begun promotion with an official trailer and character posters featuring DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor.
Film Overview
“One Battle After Another” is a highly anticipated film blending action, comedy, and drama. The movie features a star-studded cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio in what critics are calling one of his most dynamic roles.
Plot Synopsis
One Battle After Another follows a group of former revolutionaries who must reunite after 16 years when their old enemy resurfaces. The stakes become personal when they discover one of their children has been kidnapped, forcing them back into action.
The film has been described as an “epic chase movie” that skillfully combines intense action with both comedic elements and dark drama.
The story appears to draw inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, though the adaptation seems to take significant creative liberties with the source material.
Viewers can expect a mix of slapstick humor alongside serious themes, creating a tone that shifts between lighthearted and deeply emotional moments.
Cast and Characters
Leonardo DiCaprio leads the ensemble as the group’s former leader, now pulled back into the conflict he thought he’d escaped. Recent previews show DiCaprio sporting a rugged look that has generated significant buzz.
The impressive supporting cast includes:
- Benicio Del Toro: Playing DiCaprio’s former right-hand man with questionable loyalties
- Teyana Taylor: As a tech specialist with crucial knowledge about their enemy
- Regina Hall: The mother of the kidnapped daughter
- Sean Penn: Rumored to play the film’s villain
- Alana Haim: In her second collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson
The chemistry between these veteran performers promises to be a highlight, with early footage suggesting particularly memorable scenes between DiCaprio and Del Toro.
Production Background
One Battle After Another marks acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson’s return to larger-scale storytelling. Anderson both wrote and directed the film, reportedly after becoming fascinated with Pynchon’s novel years ago.
Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing the film globally, with a September 26, 2025 release date in the United States and international markets.
The production faced several challenges, including weather delays during the Oregon shooting locations. Anderson reportedly worked closely with cinematographer Bob Ferguson to create distinctive visual styles for the past and present timelines.
The film’s marketing campaign began earlier this month with the release of multiple character posters showcasing the ensemble cast in various action poses.
Release Details
“One Battle After Another” is set for a major theatrical release this fall with a strategic marketing campaign already underway. Warner Bros has officially confirmed the final release date after a recent schedule adjustment.
Theatrical Release
Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest action film “One Battle After Another” will hit theaters on September 26, 2025. This represents a significant change from the initial August 8 release date that was previously announced.
The film will receive a wide distribution, appearing in standard theaters nationwide. Additionally, it will be screening in premium IMAX formats to showcase the film’s action sequences with enhanced visual and audio quality.
Warner Bros. appears to be positioning the film for maximum audience exposure by selecting the late September date, which places it after the summer blockbuster season but before the competitive holiday release schedule.
Marketing and Promotions
The marketing campaign for “One Battle After Another” is already gaining momentum. The studio recently released multiple posters showcasing the film’s visual style and star power. These promotional materials feature striking imagery while balancing simplicity with busy design elements.
Leonardo DiCaprio has begun teasing the film through media appearances, building anticipation for what appears to be an action-heavy performance.
Industry insiders expect the first trailer to debut soon, potentially at CinemaCon where studios often unveil footage from their upcoming major releases. The film is being marketed with emphasis on its:
- High-stakes action sequences
- DiCaprio’s leading performance
- Bilingual elements (English and Spanish)
- The film’s alternative title: “The Battle of Baktan”
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
“One Battle After Another” has generated significant buzz in film circles, with critics and audiences divided on its intense narrative and stylistic choices. The film’s exploration of revolutionary themes has sparked discussions about its place in modern cinema.
Early Reviews
Critics have responded to Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest directorial effort with mixed reactions. Several top publications have praised Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as a former revolutionary, calling it “nuanced” and “career-defining.” His portrayal has drawn comparisons to the intensity seen in Anderson’s earlier works like There Will Be Blood.
Film critics have noted the movie’s distinctive visual style and unflinching violence. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “uncompromising” while Variety highlighted its “bold aesthetic choices.”
Some reviewers have criticized the film’s pacing, suggesting the 163-minute runtime could have been trimmed. Others found the revolutionary themes resonated strongly in today’s political climate.
Audience Reception
Early test screenings revealed strong emotional reactions from viewers. The film’s intense action sequences, particularly the reunion of the ex-revolutionaries to rescue a daughter, generated passionate responses on social media platforms.
Many Anderson loyalists have embraced the film, drawing connections to his character-driven storytelling in Boogie Nights, while new audiences were drawn by DiCaprio’s star power.
Online forums display heated debates about the film’s political undertones. Some viewers praised its unflinching look at revolutionary ideals, while others found it unnecessarily provocative.
Box office tracking indicates strong opening weekend potential, with pre-sales outpacing Anderson’s previous films by 38%. Industry analysts predict positive word-of-mouth will drive sustained attendance through October.
Frequently Asked Questions
“One Battle After Another” brings together a star-studded cast in this highly anticipated Paul Thomas Anderson film. The movie is set to hit theaters on September 26, 2025, and has already generated buzz with its action-packed trailer.
Who stars in the film ‘One Battle After Another’ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio?
The film features an impressive ensemble cast alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall join DiCaprio in this Paul Thomas Anderson project.
The cast combines veteran actors with established track records, bringing significant star power to this production.
What is the plot of the ‘One Battle After Another’ movie?
The film is reportedly loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel “Vineland.” While specific plot details remain limited, the trailers suggest an action-driven narrative.
The film appears to contain significant action sequences, as promotional materials show Leonardo DiCaprio’s character wielding firearms in intense scenes.
When was the movie ‘One Battle After Another’ released?
“One Battle After Another” is scheduled to be released on September 26, 2025, by Warner Bros. Pictures.
This release comes approximately four years after Anderson’s previous critically acclaimed film “Licorice Pizza,” which debuted in 2021.
How have critics rated ‘One Battle After Another’ on Rotten Tomatoes?
As the film has not yet been released, there are currently no critic ratings available on Rotten Tomatoes.
Professional reviews will likely begin appearing closer to the September 26 release date, following press screenings and premieres.
Where was ‘One Battle After Another’ filmed?
Specific filming locations for “One Battle After Another” have not been widely reported in the available information.
Paul Thomas Anderson has previously favored California settings for many of his films, but official production details for this project remain limited in public releases.
Is ‘One Battle After Another’ directed by Paul Thomas Anderson?
Yes, “One Battle After Another” is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This has been confirmed in official trailer materials and promotional content.
This film represents Anderson’s return to feature filmmaking since his 2021 release “Licorice Pizza,” which received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
