“One Battle After Another”: Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson Team Up for a High-Stakes Crime Thriller

Los Angeles, CA – March 20, 2025 – The film world is buzzing with excitement as Warner Bros. Pictures releases the first teaser trailer for One Battle After Another, an upcoming crime thriller directed by the visionary Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Academy Award-winner Leonardo DiCaprio. Shared by Variety on X at 1:22 PM WAT on March 20, 2025, the teaser offers a glimpse into what promises to be one of the most ambitious and action-packed projects of the year, set for a theatrical release on September 26, 2025.

A Star-Studded Collaboration

One Battle After Another marks the first collaboration between Paul Thomas Anderson, known for critically acclaimed films like There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, and Leonardo DiCaprio, a box-office powerhouse with hits like Titanic, Inception, and The Revenant. The teaser, featuring gripping imagery of DiCaprio handling a rifle, intense confrontations, and a tense ensemble cast, hints at a high-stakes narrative filled with action and drama.

Joining DiCaprio are Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, Wood Harris, Shayna McHayle, and Chase Infiniti, creating an ensemble that promises to deliver a powerhouse performance. The film’s teaser, shared on X by Variety, includes striking visuals: DiCaprio in a rugged outdoor setting, a woman wielding a firearm in a field, and a gripping scene of a man restraining a woman, all underscored by a sense of urgency and tension.

Plot and Inspiration

While plot details remain scarce, One Battle After Another is described as an alternate-reality crime thriller set in a contemporary context. Rumors suggest it draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, marking Anderson’s second adaptation of Pynchon’s work following Inherent Vice (2014). According to IMDb, the story revolves around a group of ex-revolutionaries reuniting to rescue one of their own’s daughter after their long-dormant enemy resurfaces after 16 years. This narrative, paired with the film’s action-driven teaser, suggests a blend of Anderson’s signature character depth and a departure into more explosive territory.

A Record-Breaking Budget

The project has already made headlines for its staggering production budget, reportedly exceeding $140 million—far surpassing Anderson’s previous films. The Wall Street Journal noted that Warner Bros. executives justify the investment with DiCaprio’s proven box-office draw, despite Anderson’s highest-grossing film, There Will Be Blood (2007), earning only $76 million globally. This ambitious budget underscores the studio’s confidence in the film’s potential to captivate audiences worldwide.

Production and Cinematography

Filming for One Battle After Another began in January 2024 under the working title “BC Project,” with principal photography taking place in California—Anderson’s frequent filmmaking home—and additional shoots in El Paso, Texas. The film was shot on 35 mm film using VistaVision cameras, a choice that reflects Anderson’s commitment to a cinematic, tactile visual style. The production also marks the sixth collaboration between Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood, promising a haunting and dynamic score, as well as the final project with first assistant director Adam Somner, who tragically passed away in November 2024.

Anticipation and Release

The teaser trailer, available on Warner Bros.’ official channels and shared widely on X, has already generated significant buzz. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how Anderson, known for his introspective and often slow-burn narratives, will handle the action-packed elements suggested by the footage. The film’s September 26, 2025, release date positions it as a major autumn event, and it will be Anderson’s first film to be released in IMAX, enhancing its immersive appeal.

Context and Legacy

For Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another represents a bold evolution, following the critical success of Licorice Pizza (2021), which, despite its acclaim, failed to recoup its $40 million budget. The new project’s scale and star power signal a strategic pivot for Anderson, leveraging DiCaprio’s global appeal to reach broader audiences. For DiCaprio, the film adds to an already illustrious career, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor willing to tackle challenging roles.

What’s Next?

As the release date approaches, fans can expect more teasers, trailers, and insights into the film’s plot and characters. The initial response on X, including comments from users like @DontRunlmAsian praising the action-packed trailer, indicates strong early enthusiasm. With its blend of literary inspiration, star power, and Anderson’s distinctive directorial vision, One Battle After Another is poised to be one of 2025’s most talked-about films.