First Teaser Released for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another”

Warner Bros. Pictures has unveiled the first teaser trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly anticipated film “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn. The teaser, which offers a glimpse into the film’s unique blend of action and drama, is set to be followed by a full trailer next week. The film is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025.

The teaser primarily features the characters engaging in a series of intense scenes involving gunfire in a field. Teyana Taylor’s character, who is pregnant, is seen firing a rifle while DiCaprio watches, sipping a drink. The narrative quickly shifts to the grown-up child, who mimics her mother’s actions by firing a rifle. The teaser is punctuated with a narrator asking, “What are you gonna do about this baby?” This question sets the stage for the film’s central conflict, hinting at the challenges the characters will face.

“One Battle After Another” marks Anderson’s return to feature filmmaking since the critically acclaimed “Licorice Pizza” in 2021. The film is rumored to have a budget as high as $140 million, making it one of Anderson’s most expensive projects to date. Interestingly, the film is loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” which adds a layer of literary depth to the project.

The film’s ensemble cast includes notable names such as Benicio del Toro, Wood Harris, Shayna McHayle, and Chase Infiniti. Alana Haim, who broke out in “Licorice Pizza,” will also reunite with Anderson for this project. Principal photography began in January 2024 under the working title “BC Project,” primarily in California, with additional filming in El Paso, Texas. The film was shot on 35 mm film using VistaVision cameras, a technique known for its high resolution and visual quality.

The teaser’s focus on gunfire and intense action scenes suggests a departure from Anderson’s previous works, which have often delved into character-driven narratives. However, the presence of a pregnant character and the subsequent focus on the child hint at a deeper exploration of themes such as legacy, identity, and the impact of past actions on future generations. This blend of action and introspection is a hallmark of Anderson’s filmmaking style, and it will be fascinating to see how he balances these elements in the full film.

Paul Thomas Anderson is no stranger to critical acclaim and commercial success. His previous works, such as “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Phantom Thread,” have garnered numerous awards and nominations. With “One Battle After Another,” Anderson is poised to once again push the boundaries of storytelling. The film’s ensemble cast, combined with its ambitious budget and literary inspiration, positions it as a major contender in the upcoming film season.

As we await the full trailer, fans and critics alike are eager to see how Anderson’s vision unfolds. The teaser has generated significant buzz, and with a release date just a few months away, anticipation is building. “One Battle After Another” promises to be a cinematic experience that combines the best of Anderson’s storytelling prowess with a compelling narrative and a star-studded cast.

In conclusion, the first teaser for “One Battle After Another” offers a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be a complex and engaging film. With its focus on action, character development, and thematic depth, the film is set to be a standout release in 2025. As we look forward to the full trailer and eventual release, one thing is certain: Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest project is shaping up to be a must-see event for film enthusiasts.