Warner Bros. has officially released the first full trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly anticipated film One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The trailer offers an intriguing glimpse into the black comedy’s action-packed narrative. Following a cryptic 20-second teaser last week, the full-length trailer confirms plot details, showcases its star-studded cast, and sets the stage for what could be Anderson’s most ambitious project to date.
A Revolutionary Mission with a Personal Twist
One Battle After Another marks Leonardo DiCaprio’s first collaboration with Anderson, a pairing that has already sparked excitement among cinephiles. In the film, DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a disheveled revolutionary on a desperate quest to find his missing daughter. He reunites with former comrades, navigating a chaotic world of rebellion and intrigue, all while struggling to recall vital information necessary for his mission.
The trailer kicks off with Ferguson, clad in a beanie and bathrobe, struggling to use a payphone to contact his rebel allies, only to forget the codewords. His mentor, played by Benicio del Toro, attempts to teach him fearlessness—by literally pushing him out of a moving vehicle. The preview culminates in Ferguson and del Toro’s character rallying for battle, with DiCaprio yelling, “Viva la revolución!”
A Star-Studded Cast and High-Stakes Production
Alongside DiCaprio and Del Toro, the film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, Shayna McHayle, and Chase Infiniti. Anderson, known for crafting complex character-driven narratives, both wrote and directed the film, also serving as a producer alongside Sara Murphy and the late Adam Somner.
With a reported production budget soaring beyond $130 million—potentially reaching as high as $140 million—One Battle After Another stands as Anderson’s most expensive project to date. Filmed on 35mm using VistaVision cameras, the movie was shot primarily in California, with additional location work in El Paso, Texas.
A Film Inspired by Pynchon’s ‘Vineland’
While Anderson’s projects are often shrouded in secrecy, early reports suggest that One Battle After Another draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland. Known for his intricate, satirical storytelling, Pynchon’s influence could indicate a unique blend of political commentary and dark humor, fitting Anderson’s signature style.
Anderson and DiCaprio’s Return to the Big Screen
For DiCaprio, this marks his first starring role since Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), which garnered 10 Academy Award nominations. Anderson, meanwhile, last directed Licorice Pizza (2021), which earned Oscar nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Despite being an 11-time nominee, Anderson has yet to claim an Academy Award—something that could change with this high-profile release.
Release Date and Imax Screenings
Originally slated for an August 8 release, One Battle After Another has been pushed back to September 26, with Imax screenings planned to enhance the film’s immersive experience. With its unique blend of humor, action, and rebellion, Anderson’s latest work is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
Fans of Anderson’s distinctive storytelling and DiCaprio’s commanding performances won’t want to miss this electrifying cinematic experience when it hits theaters this fall.
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