For more than two decades, Leonardo DiCaprio has carried what he often described as his “biggest career regret”: turning down the chance to star in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 classic Boogie Nights. That role, ultimately played by Mark Wahlberg, became a cultural touchstone and cemented Anderson’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most original filmmakers. Now, DiCaprio says he has finally made peace with that decision, thanks to his starring role in Anderson’s latest project, One Battle After Another.

The new film, which opened in theaters on Sept. 26, is a sprawling 2-hour and 40-minute political satire laced with absurdist comedy. It marks the first time DiCaprio has collaborated with Anderson, fulfilling what the Oscar winner calls a “bucket list” ambition. “Yeah, it’s a regret,” DiCaprio admitted of passing on Boogie Nights. “But it’s just out of my admiration for a seminal film of my generation. I wanted to be a part of that magic. And thank God, I’m here more than 25 years later getting to do this.”

Subverting the Leading Man Image

In One Battle After Another, DiCaprio, now 50, sets aside his polished image as a Hollywood leading man to play Bob Ferguson, a washed-up revolutionary turned stoner. Often seen in a ratty red robe, oversized sunglasses, and disheveled hair, Ferguson is reluctantly thrust back into action when his daughter, played by newcomer Chase Infiniti, is kidnapped by paramilitary forces.

The role has drawn comparisons to Jeff Bridges’ iconic “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski, though DiCaprio insists his Bob is a “revolutionary in a modern context.” He explained that keeping Ferguson’s robe as his sole costume throughout the film was an intentional choice. “Bob is not a traditional hero. His heroism is just relentless pursuit and going forward. That’s why we had to keep the robe,” DiCaprio said.

A First-Time Partnership With Benicio del Toro

Another milestone for DiCaprio in One Battle After Another is his first on-screen pairing with Benicio del Toro. Del Toro plays Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, a karate instructor whose calming advice and martial arts skills make him both comic relief and an unlikely ally in Bob’s chaotic mission.

The dynamic between the two actors provides some of the film’s funniest moments, from slapstick gags to tense chase sequences. One standout scene involves DiCaprio clambering out of a moving car while del Toro navigates hairpin turns in a desolate Texas town. “I had Leo, the diamond, hanging outside the car,” del Toro recalled. “I couldn’t drop the diamond.”

A Satire With Political Bite

Despite its offbeat humor, Anderson’s film doesn’t shy away from weighty political themes. At its core, One Battle After Another follows flawed characters resisting oppressive systems. “These flawed characters are just trying to find their way against these imperialistic forces,” DiCaprio said. “It’s genius, because it subverts all expectations.”

The film’s central antagonist, played by Sean Penn, embodies those imperialist forces as Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, a relentless pursuer obsessed with destroying Ferguson’s life. Along the way, the audience is treated to Anderson’s trademark blend of comedy, surrealism, and emotional depth.

Family Ties and Full-Circle Moments

For DiCaprio, the project carries personal resonance. His father, George DiCaprio, a self-described “peace-loving hippie,” attended the Hollywood premiere and praised the film’s themes. In a twist of fate, George actually beat his son to working with Anderson: he had a cameo in 2021’s Licorice Pizza as a wig shop owner and waterbed salesman.

DiCaprio joked about his initial reaction when Anderson called. “I thought he was calling me for something. And Paul was like, ‘Actually, I want to talk to your dad,’” the actor said with a laugh.

A Regret Redeemed

By DiCaprio’s own account, taking on One Battle After Another has finally healed the lingering regret of turning down Boogie Nights. Though the Dirk Diggler role became a defining moment for Wahlberg, DiCaprio says the real source of regret was missing out on Anderson’s singular vision. “I just love the worlds he creates. They’re lasting pieces of art,” DiCaprio said. “So it’s less of it being a regret, but, wow. I wanted to be a part of that magic.”

Now, after more than 25 years, DiCaprio has finally entered Anderson’s cinematic universe. The pairing of director and star has already drawn significant attention, with critics praising DiCaprio’s willingness to dismantle his own image for the sake of comedy and satire.

For audiences, One Battle After Another offers both an unexpected performance from one of Hollywood’s biggest names and the realization of a long-awaited collaboration. For DiCaprio, it’s a career milestone that turns his greatest regret into a hard-earned victory.

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.