Unveiling One Battle After Another: DiCaprio and Del Toro Spill Secrets on New Heights Podcast

Fans got an insider’s treat when Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro joined Travis and Jason Kelce on a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, aired on September 24, 2025.

The duo opened up about their upcoming film One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, offering a mix of humor, insight, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

With the movie set to hit theaters on September 26, 2025, this candid conversation has heightened anticipation for what promises to be a cinematic standout.

What Did Leonardo DiCaprio Say About His Role?

Leonardo DiCaprio shared a lively perspective on his character, describing him as a modern twist on The Dude from The Big Lebowski.

During the podcast, he explained how the role evolved through extensive discussions with Anderson, focusing on a single iconic robe costume.

He praised the fast-paced road trip scenes, noting a thrilling sequence where he drives at 40 to 50 miles per hour through an abandoned town near El Paso. DiCaprio also highlighted the challenge of balancing plot details with action, a nod to the film’s dynamic narrative.

According to USA Today’s coverage on September 23, 2025, DiCaprio emphasized his admiration for Del Toro’s performance during these intense moments.

The actor’s comments suggest a character driven by both revolution and relatability, aligning with Anderson’s vision of adapting themes from Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland.

How Did Benicio Del Toro Describe His Experience?

Benicio Del Toro brought his own flavor to the discussion, reflecting on the chemistry with DiCaprio during their on-screen reunion. He spoke about the physical demands of filming, particularly the road trip scenes that required quick improvisation.

Del Toro also credited Anderson’s direction for pushing him to channel raw emotion, a process he found both exhausting and rewarding. His insights hint at a character with depth, possibly an ex-revolutionary figure tied to the plot’s central conflict.

The Wrap reported on September 25, 2025, that Del Toro enjoyed the podcast’s laid-back vibe, using it to discuss Hollywood directors’ influence on his craft. This aligns with Wikipedia’s production notes, updated September 28, 2025, which detail the film’s 11-day shoot across Humboldt County, adding context to Del Toro’s on-set experiences.

What Insights Did They Share About Paul Thomas Anderson?

Both actors showered praise on director Paul Thomas Anderson, with DiCaprio calling him a visionary who blends humor with intensity. They discussed how Anderson’s decision to move away from adapting Vineland directly led to a fresh, original script.

Del Toro noted the director’s hands-on approach during the Sacramento shoot, where key scenes were filmed at the County Administration Building. This collaboration marks their sixth project together, a milestone celebrated in the film’s dedication to late producer Adam Somner.

USA Today also quoted DiCaprio mentioning Anderson’s love for complex plots, which shaped the film’s structure. Wikipedia confirms the project’s working title, BC Project, and its Golden Trailer Award-winning score by Jonny Greenwood, underscoring Anderson’s meticulous style.

How Did the Kelce Brothers React to the Guests?

Travis and Jason Kelce were visibly starstruck, with Travis admitting the podcast felt “unprofessional” yet thrilling.

They peppered DiCaprio and Del Toro with questions about stunts and storytelling, leading to laughs when Travis marveled at the actors’ ease with high-speed driving scenes.

Jason chimed in with curiosity about the film’s satirical edge, prompting Del Toro to tease a surprise twist. The Wrap noted the brothers’ enthusiasm, making the episode a hit among listeners.

This interaction, covered by The Wrap on September 25, 2025, showcased the Kelces’ ability to blend sports and entertainment, drawing a wide audience to the One Battle After Another discussion.

Some Closing Thoughts

The New Heights podcast episode offers a delightful preview of One Battle After Another, blending star power with genuine excitement.

DiCaprio and Del Toro’s revelations paint a picture of a film rich in character and action, guided by Anderson’s unique vision.

As the release date nears, these insights leave fans eager for more, promising a movie that could redefine cinematic storytelling.

What did you think of the interaction? Let us know in the comments section down below!