Leonardo DiCaprio's latest film, "One Battle After Another," directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is set to test the A-list actor's continued box office appeal. Projected to open between $20 million and $25 million domestically, the film's performance will be closely watched. This opening would be comparable to DiCaprio's previous release, "Killers of the Flower Moon." However, strong critical reception (a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score) and potential Oscar buzz could significantly boost its initial performance and longevity in theaters. International projections add another estimated $20 million to the opening weekend total.
The film's high production cost, estimated at over $130 million, necessitates a substantial global gross of around $300 million to break even. This presents a significant challenge, considering that Anderson's highest-grossing film, "There Will Be Blood," reached $76.4 million globally. While Anderson is a critically acclaimed director, his box office track record is less consistent.
Despite the financial risk, Warner Bros. enters the weekend with considerable momentum. The studio is riding a wave of seven consecutive films that debuted above $40 million—an unprecedented feat in Hollywood. This success, following a string of underperforming titles, significantly eases the pressure on "One Battle After Another."
Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland," the R-rated film stars DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary attempting to live a peaceful life with his daughter until past enemies resurface. The ensemble cast includes Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor. Variety's chief film critic, Owen Gleiberman, described the film as a "mesmerizing vision of a police-state America," praising its unpredictable narrative.
Competing for audiences this weekend are Lionsgate's R-rated slasher sequel, "The Strangers: Chapter 2," targeting $6 million to $8 million, and Universal's family-friendly "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie," aiming for $12 million to $15 million. Both films present different, yet significant, challenges to "One Battle After Another's" box office dominance.
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Originally published at: https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/one-battle-after-another-leonardo-dicaprio-box-office-opening-weekend-projection-1236526905/
