One Battle After Another (2025), the latest action thriller from director Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA), stormed into cinemas this weekend and is already making headlines as his biggest box office opening yet. With a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti, the film blends radical activism with high-stakes drama and has struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. The movie’s $130 million budget was matched by an aggressive marketing push, setting the stage for an epic launch. Anderson’s collaboration with DiCaprio marks a long-anticipated partnership, elevating expectations for both awards season buzz and commercial performance. Premiering in premium formats like IMAX and VistaVision, One Battle After Another raked in millions through strategically placed screenings and enjoyed an ‘A’ CinemaScore, signaling strong word-of-mouth traction on social media. For Anderson, this is a movie that could redefine his box office legacy.
In this article, we’ll look at the movie’s story, the latest box office numbers, and how PTA brought together such an impressive cast for his politically charged drama.
Movie Synopsis:
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One Battle After Another follows Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), a former radical explosives expert living incognito in Northern California with his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti). After an intense flashback involving a group of activists called the French 75 and their confrontations with government agent Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), the story jumps forward sixteen years. Now, Bob’s quiet life is disrupted when Lockjaw hunts him down, catalyzing a rescue mission for Willa and reigniting old alliances and enmities. The film packs suspense, betrayal, and emotionally charged action, echoing themes from Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, without being a direct adaptation. As the plot unfolds, Anderson’s trademark mixture of dark comedy, satire, and tense drama keeps viewers invested and critics engaged.
Check Out: One Battle After Another (2025) Movie Review – An Exhilarating Neo-Western Chase Through A Fractured America
Box Office Collection Update:
The film kicked off with strong momentum, pulling in $3.1 million from Thursday previews across North America. By the end of its opening day, including previews, the total climbed to $8.8 million from over 3,600 theaters. Weekend estimates point toward a domestic opening of about $21 million, with global numbers projected to reach the $50 million mark when overseas markets are factored in. This makes One Battle After Another the biggest opening of PTA’s career, outpacing all his previous films.
The budget, however, is high, reportedly between $130 million and $175 million, so the film faces pressure to maintain strong holds in the weeks ahead. The combination of DiCaprio’s star power, PTA’s critical reputation, and growing buzz will be crucial in keeping the momentum alive.
Cast, Characters & PTA’s Collaboration:
The cast brings together some of the most recognizable names in film. Leonardo DiCaprio anchors the story as Bob, adding box office weight and drawing attention from global audiences. Sean Penn delivers intensity as Colonel Lockjaw, embodying the central threat. Teyana Taylor plays a radical leader tied to Bob’s past, while Regina Hall and Benicio del Toro add depth with characters connected to both his history and present. Alana Haim, who last worked with PTA on Licorice Pizza, returns to collaborate again. Newcomer Chase Infiniti steps into the spotlight as Bob’s daughter Willa, giving the film its emotional core.
Many of these actors were drawn by PTA’s reputation for giving performers space to push boundaries. Combined with a bold script and Jonny Greenwood’s score, the project became a chance for both veterans and rising stars to step into a politically urgent and narratively daring film.
