‘One Battle After Another’: Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio Unite for a High-Stakes Thriller

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, “One Battle After Another,” brings together a stellar cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro. The film is a contemporary adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” intertwining narratives from 1984 California with flashbacks to the 1960s counterculture era. The plot centers on a group of former revolutionaries who reunite to rescue a comrade’s daughter from a resurfaced adversary after 16 years.

The production, with a budget exceeding $140 million, marks Anderson’s most ambitious project to date. Filming commenced in January 2024 across various California locations, including Humboldt County and Sacramento, before moving to El Paso, Texas, in June 2024. The film was shot on 35 mm film using VistaVision cameras, with Michael Bauman serving as the cinematographer. ​

Initially slated for an August 8, 2025 release, Warner Bros. has rescheduled the premiere to September 26, 2025, to align with a global IMAX rollout and bolster its awards season prospects. The recently released teaser trailer showcases DiCaprio and co-star Teyana Taylor engaged in intense gun combat sequences, heightening anticipation for the film’s action-packed narrative. ​

“One Battle After Another” is poised to be a significant contender in the upcoming awards season, with industry analysts predicting potential nominations for its ensemble cast and production team. The film’s unique blend of action, drama, and historical context positions it as a standout entry in Anderson’s directorial portfolio.