Leonardo DiCaprio & Paul Thomas Anderson Reunite in ‘One Battle After Another’ – First Teaser Unveiled

Exciting news for film enthusiasts! Warner Bros. Pictures has dropped the first teaser for One Battle After Another, the highly anticipated new film from writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn, this marks Anderson’s first project since his 2021 critically acclaimed Licorice Pizza. The film is set to hit theaters on September 26.

First Look: Guns, Grit, and a Mysterious Plot

The brief teaser offers a glimpse into Anderson’s latest cinematic endeavor, setting the tone for what appears to be a high-intensity drama. The footage showcases characters firing weapons in an open field, with Teyana Taylor’s character—who is visibly pregnant—casually handling a rifle while DiCaprio sips a drink. Moments later, the scene jumps to the baby’s birth, followed by a fast-forward to the grown child wielding a rifle just like her mother. The tension builds as DiCaprio, sporting a goatee, looks down the scope of a gun, while Penn’s character forcefully drags a screaming young woman through an alleyway.

With limited details on the plot, the teaser leaves fans intrigued. Previously, the only known information was that the film takes place in a contemporary setting and features an ensemble cast. However, speculation about the movie’s scale has been circulating for months. Reports suggest that One Battle After Another is Anderson’s most expensive project yet, with production costs rumored to be between $100 million and $140 million.

A Star-Studded Cast & High Expectations

In addition to DiCaprio, the film reunites Anderson with Licorice Pizza breakout star Alana Haim. The cast also includes Benicio del Toro, Wood Harris, Shayna McHayle, and Chase Infiniti. With a powerhouse lineup and Anderson’s signature storytelling, expectations are soaring.

Behind the Scenes: Filming & Production

Principal photography for One Battle After Another began in January 2024 under the working title BC Project. Staying true to Anderson’s filmmaking style, the movie was shot on 35mm film using VistaVision cameras, bringing a classic cinematic feel to the project. While the majority of filming took place in California—where many of Anderson’s films are set—additional scenes were shot on-location in El Paso, Texas.

The film also marks Anderson’s sixth collaboration with composer Johnny Greenwood, ensuring a compelling score to match the film’s intensity. Sadly, it is also the fifth and final project between Anderson and first assistant director Adam Somner, who passed away in November 2024.

What’s Next?

Fans won’t have to wait long for more details, as a full-length trailer is expected to drop next week. Given Anderson’s reputation for thought-provoking and visually stunning storytelling, One Battle After Another is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!