One Battle After Another is an anticipated American black comedy action film that marks the creative collaboration of Paul Thomas Anderson, who takes on the roles of writer, producer, and director.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring renowned actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Notably, the narrative is said to draw loose inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel, Vineland, suggesting a blend of dark humor and action that is characteristic of Anderson’s unique storytelling style.
As audiences await its release, the film promises to deliver a thought-provoking yet entertaining experience, reflecting the complexities of contemporary society through its satirical lens.
One Battle After Another is set to make its debut in the United States, with Warner Bros. Pictures handling the distribution.
The film is slated for release on September 26, 2025, promising to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and dynamic visuals.
As anticipation builds, fans and critics alike are eager to see how this cinematic endeavor unfolds, potentially marking a significant addition to the film landscape of that year. The strategic release date positions it well within the competitive fall season, where numerous high-profile films vie for attention and box office success.
Premise
After a long hiatus of sixteen years, a formidable adversary reemerges, prompting a band of former revolutionaries to come together once more.
Their mission is urgent and deeply personal: to rescue the daughter of one of their own, who has fallen victim to this resurgent threat.
The reunion of these once-idealistic fighters, now seasoned by time and experience, is fueled by a shared sense of duty and the bonds forged in their past struggles.
As they navigate the complexities of their former lives and the challenges posed by their old nemesis, they must confront not only the external dangers but also the internal conflicts that arise from years of separation and the weight of their collective history.
Production
In June 2023, Warner Bros. Pictures secured the rights to Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film, which was speculated to feature a talented ensemble including Regina Hall, Viggo Mortensen, and Joaquin Phoenix.
Notably, DiCaprio’s participation came with a substantial payday, as he reportedly earned $20 million for his role, underscoring the film’s high-profile nature and the star power involved in this project.
On February 3, filming transitioned to Sacramento, where the production utilized the Sacramento County Administration Building and the Sacramento County Courthouse as key locations.
This decision sparked some controversy, particularly due to the clearing of a homeless encampment to facilitate the shoot.
The cinematography for the film was executed on 35 mm film using VistaVision cameras, with Michael Bauman at the helm.
This project marked Bauman’s second collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson, following their previous work together on “Licorice Pizza” in 2021.
In February 2024, Variety announced that the film had received the green light for production, with a budget set at $115 million.
By August 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that the budget had escalated to over $140 million. However, Warner Bros.
executives defended the substantial budget, citing Leonardo DiCaprio’s proven box-office appeal as a justification for the investment.
During the same month, it was revealed that the film would be titled The Battle of Baktan Cross, amid speculation that it drew loose inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland (1990).
This connection was particularly intriguing, as Anderson had previously adapted Pynchon’s Inherent Vice (2009) into a feature film in 2014.
Ultimately, the film’s association with Vineland was confirmed, adding another layer of interest to the project.
The title was officially revealed when Warner Bros. debuted a teaser on March 20,[21] an official trailer debuted the following week.
released a teaser on March 20, followed by the debut of an official trailer the subsequent week.
Starting in January 2025, the film underwent several test screenings, some of which seemed to confirm the speculated link to Vineland.
This was a notable moment, as it marked the first instance since Boogie Nights in 1997 that director Paul Thomas Anderson consented to audience testing.
In response to the feedback received, Anderson made the decision to trim eight to ten minutes from the final cut of the film.
Additionally, this project represents the sixth collaboration between Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood, further solidifying their creative partnership.
It also stands as the sixth and final collaboration between Anderson and first assistant director and producer Adam Somner, who sadly passed away in November 2024, adding a poignant layer to the film’s production history.
Release
The film is set to premiere on September 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first of director Anderson’s works to be showcased in IMAX format.
Initially, the release was planned for August 8, 2025, but the date was adjusted to align with the competitive landscape of the awards season, potentially enhancing its visibility and recognition. As reported by Variety, the film is projected to require a box office gross between $260 million and $300 million in order to achieve profitability, underscoring the financial stakes involved in its release.
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