Guns, Family, and Chaos Take Center Stage in Anderson’s Latest Epic
Warner Bros. has officially dropped the first teaser for “One Battle After Another”, the highly anticipated new film from Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn. This marks Anderson’s first film since 2021’s critically acclaimed Licorice Pizza and is set for theatrical release on September 26, 2025.
First Look: A Teaser Packed with Tension
The short teaser offers just a glimpse into the film’s intense world. The footage opens in a vast field where several characters unleash a storm of gunfire. Teyana Taylor’s character, visibly pregnant, fires a rifle, while DiCaprio’s character watches on, casually sipping a drink.
In a striking sequence, the baby is born—only for the teaser to cut to the child, now grown, handling a rifle just like her mother. “What are you gonna do about this baby?” a voice questions ominously.
Tension builds as the teaser shifts to DiCaprio, now older and sporting a goatee, aiming a sniper rifle, and Sean Penn’s character forcefully dragging a young woman through a dark alleyway. “Just when you think you got a handle on things,” a voice mutters, hinting at a story filled with unexpected twists.
A High-Stakes Production
While details on the film’s plot remain under wraps, early reports suggest One Battle After Another is one of Anderson’s most expensive projects yet, with a rumored budget ranging from $100 million to $140 million. This marks a significant leap in scale, considering Licorice Pizza had a $40 million budget but struggled at the box office despite strong critical praise.
Alongside DiCaprio, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Alana Haim (reuniting with Anderson after Licorice Pizza), Benicio del Toro, Wood Harris, Shayna McHayle, and Chase Infiniti.
Production and Cinematic Vision
Filming for One Battle After Another began under the working title “BC Project” in January 2024, primarily in California, a familiar setting for Anderson’s films. Additional shooting took place in El Paso, Texas, bringing an expansive, rugged backdrop to the film’s aesthetic.
Shot on 35mm film using VistaVision cameras, the movie embraces a classic cinematic look, a signature of Anderson’s storytelling. This project also marks the sixth collaboration between Anderson and composer Johnny Greenwood, ensuring an evocative and immersive score.
A Tribute to Adam Somner
The film is also notable as one of the final projects of first assistant director Adam Somner, a longtime Anderson collaborator who tragically passed away in November 2024. This adds an emotional layer to the film’s production.
What’s Next?
With the full trailer set to drop next week, One Battle After Another is already generating immense buzz. Given its A-list cast, gripping visuals, and Anderson’s signature storytelling, it’s poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Mark your calendars for September 26, 2025—this battle is just beginning.