The second trailer for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ delivers high-octane drama

Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio join forces

Paul Thomas Anderson returns with his most ambitious project, “One Battle After Another.” The highly anticipated official trailer 2 showcases a revolutionary action-thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio. 

This marks Anderson’s first collaboration with DiCaprio after decades of success.

The film represents a significant cinematic event scheduled for September 26, 2025. Warner Bros Pictures presents this genre-bending experience combining dark comedy with intense action sequences.

The revolutionary hero, Bob Ferguson

Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio takes center stage as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary. His character must confront his radical past when his daughter faces imminent danger. 

The trailer showcases DiCaprio’s intense performance as a desperate father seeking help.

Ferguson belongs to the disbanded group known as the French 75. DiCaprio’s portrayal reveals a man struggling between peaceful family life and violent necessity.

The menacing Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw

Oscar winner Sean Penn delivers a chilling performance as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw. His character serves as the primary antagonist hunting down former revolutionaries with military precision. 

Penn’s portrayal features a distinctive grey buzzcut and commanding presence.

Colonel Lockjaw represents institutional authority and systematic pursuit of the underground movement. Penn’s villainous turn promises to be one of his most memorable performances.

The visionary behind the lens

Paul Thomas Anderson stands as one of cinema’s most acclaimed directors with eleven Academy Award nominations. His previous masterpieces include “There Will Be Blood,” “Magnolia,” and “Boogie Nights”. 

Anderson has earned BAFTA awards and recognition at major film festivals.

“One Battle After Another” represents his most expensive production to date with a $140 million budget. The director brings his signature style to this ambitious venture.

The wise mentor Sensei Sergio

Academy Award winner Benicio del Toro portrays Sensei Sergio, Bob Ferguson’s philosophical mentor figure. His character provides guidance and support during the group’s dangerous reunion mission. 

Del Toro’s performance combines wisdom with martial arts expertise in key action sequences.

Sensei Sergio serves as both spiritual advisor and tactical strategist for the revolutionary group. Del Toro brings depth and gravitas to this essential supporting role.

The strategic mind Deandra

Acclaimed actress Regina Hall joins the ensemble as Deandra, a key member of the revolutionary team. Her character brings tactical intelligence and emotional depth to the group’s dangerous mission. 

Hall praised the script’s combination of humor, strong messaging, and witty dialogue.

Deandra represents the heart of the team’s strategic operations. Hall’s performance balances comedy with dramatic intensity throughout the action sequences.

The fierce Perfidia Beverly Hills

Teyana Taylor delivers a breakthrough performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills, Bob Ferguson’s former partner. Her character appears prominently in the trailer wielding weapons while pregnant, showcasing remarkable intensity. 

Perfidia Beverly Hills represents both maternal protection and revolutionary determination. The character’s complex relationship with DiCaprio’s Bob drives much emotional narrative.

Veteran excellence in supporting roles

Distinguished actor Wood Harris joins the stellar ensemble cast in a pivotal supporting role. Known for his powerful performances in “The Wire” and other acclaimed projects, Harris brings gravitas. 

His character contributes to the film’s exploration of loyalty and revolutionary ideals.

Harris’s presence adds authenticity to the underground movement’s portrayal. The actor’s extensive experience enhances the film’s ensemble dynamic perfectly.

Anderson’s returning collaborator

Alana Haim reunites with Paul Thomas Anderson following their successful collaboration on “Licorice Pizza”. Her return demonstrates the director’s trust in actors who understand his unique filmmaking vision. 

The actress brings her distinctive screen presence to this action-packed narrative. Her involvement connects Anderson’s recent work while expanding into new territory.

A revolutionary reunion

The plot centers on former revolutionaries forced to reunite after sixteen years of peaceful separation. Their evil enemy resurfaces, targeting Bob Ferguson’s daughter in a calculated move of revenge. 

The group must overcome personal differences and rusty skills to mount a rescue operation.

The narrative draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland” while updating themes for contemporary audiences.

Behind the scenes

Principal photography began in January 2024 across multiple California locations including Humboldt County and Sacramento. The production utilized 35mm VistaVision cameras to achieve Anderson’s distinctive visual style. 

Additional filming took place in the Anza-Borrego Desert and El Paso, Texas.

The film employs Anderson’s frequent collaborators including cinematographer Michael Bauman and production designer Florencia Martin. This technical team ensures the highest production values.

Cinematography and style

Anderson and Michael Bauman’s cinematography captures both intimate character moments and expansive action sequences. The VistaVision format provides enhanced visual clarity perfect for IMAX presentation. 

The film’s visual style balances Anderson’s signature techniques with blockbuster spectacle requirements.

The trailer showcases stunning landscape photography contrasted with gritty urban environments. Color palettes shift dramatically to reflect the story’s emotional transitions.

Jonny Greenwood’s score

Academy Award-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood returns for his sixth collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson. His innovative musical approach combines orchestral arrangements with contemporary elements. 

The composer’s previous work with Anderson includes acclaimed scores for “There Will Be Blood” and “Phantom Thread”. His distinctive style perfectly complements Anderson’s directorial vision.

Budget and market expectations

Warner Bros invested approximately $130 million in production costs, making this Anderson’s most expensive film. The studio justified the investment based on Leonardo DiCaprio’s proven box office appeal. 

Industry analysts project the film needs $300 million worldwide to achieve profitability.

The substantial budget reflects confidence in the director-star combination’s commercial potential. This project represents a calculated risk balancing artistic integrity with mainstream accessibility.

Theatrical release

Warner Bros schedules the film for September 26, 2025, positioning it strategically for awards consideration. The release includes IMAX theaters nationwide to maximize the visual experience potential. 

This timing allows for fall festival appearances while building momentum toward awards season.

The IMAX presentation showcases Anderson’s VistaVision cinematography at its finest quality. September timing positions the film perfectly for both commercial success and critical recognition.

Catch the first look at season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty in the new teaser trailer.

Awards prospects and critical anticipation

Industry observers predict strong awards potential across multiple categories including Best Picture and Director. Anderson’s track record of eleven Academy Award nominations suggests likely recognition. 

Early reactions from test screenings indicate positive audience response to the action-comedy blend. The September release date aligns perfectly with awards season voting schedules.

Get your first look at Chief of War, the official trailer just dropped, and it’s packed with epic drama and action.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.