Exclusive First Look: Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson Ignite Action in 'One Battle After Another' Teaser!

Warner Bros. Pictures has dropped the first teaser for “One Battle After Another,” the newest film from acclaimed writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson. The film stars big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn. Fans can catch it in theaters on September 26.

The teaser gives us a quick glimpse of the action. We see characters shooting guns in a field, with Taylor’s character firing while pregnant. DiCaprio watches her with a drink in hand. Then, a narrator’s voice asks, “What are you gonna do about this baby?” The scene soon shifts to show the child, now grown up, taking aim like her mother did.

The teaser leaves viewers with a sense of unpredictability. As one character says, “Just when you think you got a handle on things,” we see DiCaprio looking down the scope of a gun while Penn’s character pulls a screaming young woman down an alley.

Before the teaser was released, there were scarce details about the plot. However, it’s known that the movie is set in contemporary times and features a large ensemble cast. Rumors suggested that this film could be Anderson’s most expensive yet. Early estimates from Variety speculated costs could reach around $100 million, with recent reports suggesting figures as high as $140 million.

Anderson’s last project, “Licorice Pizza,” had mixed fortunes. Despite receiving praise from critics, it struggled to break even, losing tens of millions on its $40 million budget. The film also lost money even after gaining acclaim. Interestingly, breakout star Alana Haim will reunite with Anderson in this latest venture, along with Benicio del Toro, Wood Harris, Shayna McHayle, and Chase Infiniti.

Shooting for this film began in January 2024 in California, where Anderson often sets his stories. There’s a focus on authenticity, with scenes filmed on 35 mm film using VistaVision cameras. Some scenes were also shot on location in El Paso, Texas, adding to the film’s gritty feel.

One unique aspect of this film is the musical collaboration. Anderson teams up with composer Johnny Greenwood for the sixth time. However, it’s bittersweet as it marks the fifth effort with first assistant director Adam Somner, who sadly passed away in November 2024.

As anticipation builds, it’s clear that “One Battle After Another” could be a significant entry in Anderson’s filmography, especially with its elements of family, conflict, and action.

Check out the teaser below: