Fri Sep 26 00:30:00 UTC 2025: ## DiCaprio and Del Toro Team Up in Anderson’s “One Battle After Another”: A Stoner Revolution
**LOS ANGELES, CA -** Paul Thomas Anderson is back with “One Battle After Another,” a politically charged satire boasting dark humor and an unexpected comedic duo: Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro. The film, set to release September 26th, sees DiCaprio, 50, completely shedding his leading man persona as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary turned stoner forced back into action.
DiCaprio’s Bob Ferguson, complete with a ratty red robe, unkempt hair, and oversized sunglasses, draws clear comparisons to Jeff Bridges’ “The Dude” from “The Big Lebowski.” “Think about ‘The Dude,’ if he was put into a modern context and was a revolutionary,” DiCaprio explained in a joint interview with del Toro.
Del Toro, 58, plays Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, a karate instructor who gets swept up in Bob’s chaotic world, offering calming deep breathing techniques amidst the turmoil. “Paul wants to laugh – you could see him looking to laugh,” del Toro noted, highlighting Anderson’s subtle comedic direction.
The film follows Ferguson, who has been in hiding for 16 years with his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti), after being tracked down by the relentless Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn). When Lockjaw kidnaps Willa, the perpetually stoned Ferguson must spring into action. His signature red robe becomes his unlikely battle armor.
DiCaprio revealed the inspiration behind Bob’s peculiar eyewear: “I had this vision of these wraparound optical glasses like Boba Fett. Those are the ones I had to choose.”
The film’s trailer hints at the slapstick comedy with a scene where Del Toro’s character falls through a trapdoor, hidden by a spring-loaded rug. “That carpet rolling is funny, like the Three Stooges or Buster Keaton,” del Toro said.
The film also highlights a road trip where DiCaprio praises Del Toro’s acting skills, calling him “the diamond”, while filming high speed driving scenes.
DiCaprio’s father, George, a self-proclaimed hippie, attended the premiere and reportedly loved the film’s themes. George himself made his film debut in Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza.”
Both DiCaprio and Del Toro have long admired Anderson’s work, with DiCaprio expressing regret over missing out on a role in “Boogie Nights.” Now, decades later, the duo are thrilled to be part of Anderson’s latest cinematic offering. Del Toro, who previously starred in Anderson’s “Inherent Vice,” called working with the director a “career check.” DiCaprio echoed the sentiment, stating, “I just love the worlds (Anderson) creates. They’re lasting pieces of art.”
First Piper 