One Battle After Another is a highly anticipated American action-thriller set to release on September 26, 2025. Written, produced, and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film is inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland. The story follows a group of former revolutionaries who reunite after 16 years to rescue the daughter of one of their own from a dangerous enemy.
The film features a star-studded cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti, who makes her film debut. But beyond its gripping premise and A-list cast, what makes this project stand out is its deep visual authenticity. Here’s a detailed look at where the movie was filmed.
Where Was One Battle After Another Filmed?
Principal photography began on January 22, 2024 in California, under the working title “BC Project” or “Battle of Baktan Cross.” The film was shot using 35 mm film and VistaVision cameras by cinematographer Michael Bauman, known for his previous collaboration with Anderson on Licorice Pizza. The production was large-scale, traveling across several iconic regions and small towns to bring the story to life.
1. Northern California – Humboldt County
The film’s earliest and most atmospheric filming took place in Humboldt County, particularly in Eureka, Arcata, Cutten, and Trinidad. Over 11 days, the towns were transformed into key locations for the story.
• Eureka
At 4020 Walnut Drive, Murphy’s Market in Eureka was the center of a major shoot. On January 29, 2024, curious onlookers watched as Leonardo DiCaprio, dressed in ‘hippie’ attire, rushed to a pay phone for a pivotal scene. Local resident Kari Helgeson described the set as “very organized” and noted how the crew ensured public safety while allowing fans to catch a glimpse of the action.
• Cutten
Cutten Plaza became a highlight of local filming. Babe’s Pizza and a nearby laundromat were reimagined into a Mexican grill and a lavandería. This transformation impressed many locals, with Film Commissioner Cassandra Hesseltine revealing that pre-production planning in the region had been years in the making.
• Trinidad
About a week before the Eureka shoot, an intense police chase scene was filmed in Trinidad featuring law enforcement vehicles labeled “Baktan Cross Police Department.” The high-speed sequence added a gritty realism and was one of the film’s most challenging outdoor shoots.
• Arcata
In nearby Arcata, Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant at 1288 G Street became a backdrop for a key conversation scene. Filming in Northtown Arcata followed soon after, with many locals participating as extras.
• Sacramento – Action in the State Capital
By early February 2024, filming had moved to Sacramento, where four downtown blocks were closed off for an action-heavy sequence. According to local reports, the production used an out-of-service Regional Transit light rail car and cast extras as courthouse workers.
The Sacramento County Administration Building and County Courthouse were both used as filming locations. Director Paul Thomas Anderson was spotted on the courthouse steps, organizing the shoot. Though DiCaprio was not seen, the presence of large film crews and blocked roads drew attention.
Due to impending storms, the production shifted its schedule to shoot ahead of time. Sidewalks and roads were sprayed down with water to maintain visual consistency. Bus routes were briefly disrupted, and security managed pedestrian flow.
Two local teens, Ryan Jimenez and Shawn Perry, turned up with LaserDiscs hoping for autographs from DiCaprio and Penn. While they didn’t spot any celebrities, the buzz around the shoot turned Sacramento into a temporary movie hotspot.
Filming was also done around Downtown Sacramento’s Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, a modern location that added an urban edge to the movie’s setting. However, not all the attention was positive—some controversy arose when a homeless encampment was reportedly cleared to accommodate filming.
2. Stockton, Galt, and the North-Central Corridor
Outside of Sacramento, the production also used 311 East Main Street in Stockton for scenes, though details remain limited. The historic architecture of Stockton offered an adaptable environment for period or urban scenes.
Nearby Galt, another Central Valley town, was also part of the filming route. Specific locations weren’t disclosed, but small-town California played a recurring role in the film’s visual palette.
3. Central California – Coastal and Historic Locations
Heading into Central California, the production filmed at San Juan Bautista, specifically using the Zanetta House, a historic building that adds an older American frontier aesthetic.
In Lompoc, two locations were utilized: La Purisima Mission, a centuries-old Spanish mission site, and a local Albertsons Grocery Store. The mission likely offered dramatic historical visuals, while the grocery store added a touch of modern realism.
4. Southern California – Desert and Metro Areas
• Borrego Springs & Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:
Filming in May 2024 brought the production to the dry, dramatic landscapes of Anza-Borrego. The desert setting played host to several action-heavy scenes including explosions and chase sequences. Some footage can be seen in early teaser leaks on social media.
• Los Angeles, Lancaster & San Diego:
While details on Los Angeles-based scenes are under wraps, the city served as the production base. Some street riots and urban combat scenes were filmed in LA’s downtown districts. Lancaster and San Diego were used for brief exterior scenes, including a bus depot sequence.
5. El Paso, Texas – Wrapping the Shoot in Action
In June 2024, the cast and crew were seen filming in El Paso, Texas. This location was used to depict the climactic portion of the movie, which includes heavy action sequences like street riots, fire effects, and confrontations between police and revolutionaries. This part of the film is expected to be one of its most visually intense segments.
A report on July 16, 2024 noted that the production might have exceeded its original $100 million budget, possibly reaching close to $175 million. Despite this, Warner Bros. backed the film fully, citing DiCaprio’s box office draw and Anderson’s cinematic track record.
Behind the Scenes Insights
The production faced both weather challenges and community coordination needs. In Sacramento, bus routes were disrupted and sidewalks were artificially wetted to create a specific mood. In Humboldt, long-term planning allowed for complex setups in small towns.
The film also marks the sixth collaboration between Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood. The emotional weight of the production was heightened by the passing of first assistant director and producer Adam Somner in November 2024. This will be their final collaboration together.
According to Variety and The Wall Street Journal, test screenings began in early 2025, leading to a slight re-edit. Anderson removed nearly 10 minutes of footage based on audience feedback—rare for the director.
Official Trailer
For more updates on filming locations and behind-the-scenes coverage of upcoming films and TV shows, visit netfilming.com — your trusted source for entertainment production news.
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