One Battle After Another: Release Date, Plot & Everything We Know About Paul Thomas Anderson's Film
A new work by one of the modern classics of cinema is already on its way.
This fall will see the release of One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film is one of the most anticipated movies of 2025. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming premiere.
One Battle After Another Release Date
Originally, One Battle After Another was to be released on August 8. But recently the project received a new release date – September 26.
This decision is most likely related to the need to re-equip theaters. Paul Thomas Anderson wants theaters to be equipped with the VistaVision system, which will improve image quality.
The postponement may have a positive effect on the film's fate: many awards season films are released in the fall, and the summer is usually associated with blockbusters.
What Will the Movie Be About?
The plot of the movie was kept secret for a long time. Even now, the creators don't reveal many details. The story revolves around Steven Lockjaw, a colonel and a supporter of white supremacy.
At the same time, the man is in a relationship with a Black woman. One day the woman leaves Steven and goes to Bob. The angry soldier tries to find a partner.
There were rumors that Anderson would adapt Thomas Pynchon's Vineland. Now it is known that the director was indeed inspired by the postmodernist author's book, but One Battle After Another is a rather loose adaptation of Vineland. All the characters' names have been changed.
One Battle After Another Cast
The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, the actor's first collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson. The role of the evil military man is played by two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn. His runaway wife is played by Teyana Taylor.
The film also stars Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Wood Harris and Alana Haim, who starred in Anderson's previous project, Licorice Pizza.
One Battle After Another Is One of the Most Anticipated Movies of 2025
One Battle After Another is different from the director's last two films. Phantom Thread, for example, was a meditation on codependent relationships and obsession with a favorite object. And Licorice Pizza is a tender coming-of-age movie.
The plot of the upcoming movie will obviously be more exciting and epic. One Battle After Another also stands out financially: the budget is about $140 million. It is the director's most expensive project.
It is very likely that One Battle After Another will make it to the awards season and compete for prestigious awards. Perhaps DiCaprio and Penn will receive more Oscar nominations, and Anderson will once again be noticed for his direction.