Leonardo DiCaprio Hails Paul Thomas Anderson at CinemaCon 2025 for ‘One Battle After Another’

CinemaCon 2025 kicked off with a bang on April 1 as Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor took the stage to unveil One Battle After Another, the upcoming film from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson. During Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated presentation, the trio offered fresh insights into the black comedy, set for release on September 26, 2025. With exclusive footage and candid remarks, the event underscored why this $130 million-plus project could be a game-changer for Anderson and DC’s cinematic slate.

DiCaprio Praises Anderson’s Unique Vision

Leonardo DiCaprio, making his first collaboration with Anderson, didn’t hold back his admiration. “I’ve wanted to work with Paul for over 20 years now,” the Oscar winner declared. “He’s one of the most unique talents of our time.” DiCaprio highlighted Anderson’s ability to tap into “something political and cultural brimming beneath our psyche,” a theme evident in the film’s chaotic yet poignant narrative. He credited Anderson’s directing style for fostering improvisation, noting, “His ability to work with actors is unique and bar none.”

The film follows Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), a former revolutionary racing to rescue his kidnapped daughter, reuniting with old comrades like Benicio Del Toro’s character. Exclusive CinemaCon footage showcased DiCaprio’s character unraveling on a phone call, ranting, “I’m a drug and alcohol lover. I’ll hunt you down and shove a loaded stick of dynamite up your [expletive].” The wild energy hints at Anderson’s boldest, most commercial effort yet.

Regina Hall and Teyana Taylor Share Insights

Regina Hall, a key player in the ensemble, praised the collaborative process. “What’s incredible is how tight-knit this journey was,” she said, reflecting on the cast’s chemistry. Meanwhile, Teyana Taylor offered a glimpse into her complex character, Profidia. “She’s a mess,” Taylor laughed. “She loves hard, but she’s not likable. She’s got a lot going on.” Her playful candor added levity to the panel, balancing the film’s darker tones.

The cast, rounded out by Sean Penn and Chase Infiniti, brings depth to this tale of ex-revolutionaries facing past enemies. Penn plays a menacing colonel, while Infiniti portrays DiCaprio’s daughter, tying the group’s mission together. The footage also featured a tense exchange between DiCaprio and Del Toro, with the latter urging, “Courage, Bob. Courage,” met by DiCaprio’s bewildered, “That’s it? Courage. Yeah.”

A High-Stakes Project for Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. is banking big on One Battle After Another, with a budget exceeding $130 million—Anderson’s priciest film to date. Loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, it blends satirical black comedy with action, shot in VistaVision for IMAX screens. Originally slated for August 8, the release shifted to September 26, aligning it with awards season—a move echoing successful auteur-driven hits like Gravity. The Hollywood Reporter notes this strategic delay also ensures global IMAX availability, amplifying its theatrical impact.

Anderson, who wrote and directed, produces alongside Sara Murphy and Adam Somner. His last film, Licorice Pizza (2021), earned three Oscar nods, including Best Picture. With DiCaprio’s box office draw—think The Revenant and The Wolf of Wall Street—Warner Bros. hopes to turn this ambitious gamble into a financial and critical triumph.

CinemaCon Buzz and What’s Next

CinemaCon, running March 31 to April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, is the annual gathering of exhibitors and studios, hosted by Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners). Warner Bros.’ panel set the tone, with One Battle After Another generating buzz as a must-see. The footage’s mix of humor, intensity, and star power left attendees eager for more.

For DiCaprio, fresh off Killers of the Flower Moon, this marks a return to unhinged, high-energy roles. Hall and Taylor, both rising forces, add fresh dynamics, while Penn’s villainous turn promises fireworks. As the September 26 release nears, expect festival buzz and awards chatter to build—especially with Anderson’s track record and DiCaprio’s star power in tow.

Conclusion: A Battle Worth Watching

One Battle After Another is shaping up as 2025’s wild card—a politically charged, culturally resonant black comedy that could redefine Anderson’s legacy. DiCaprio’s praise at CinemaCon, paired with Hall and Taylor’s enthusiasm, signals a film that’s as collaborative as it is chaotic. With Warner Bros. betting big, this September 26 release could dominate theaters and awards season alike. Mark your calendars—Bob Ferguson’s fight is one you won’t want to miss.