Leonardo DiCaprio Loves ‘One Battle After Another’ Detail That Carries a Powerful Message

The latest addition to Leonardo DiCaprio’s stellar acting career officially hit theaters on Sept. 26, 2025, and it’s safe to say his latest starring role is another tally in the victory column. DiCaprio had previously spoken about his desire to work with director Paul Thomas Anderson, and when the duo finally made it happen with One Battle After Another, the result has led to rave reviews pouring in.

The movie features DiCaprio as an ex-revolutionary named Bob who’s living off the grid when a former nemesis shows up and his daughter, Willa, goes missing. While the previews feature DiCaprio’s wild chase to find his daughter, it plays out with him essentially wearing a bathrobe and worn-down clothes, which, interestingly, is one specific aspect he loved. However, it’s the reason he loved that piece of the story that’s worth your attention.

The ‘One Battle After Another’ Detail That Resonated With Leonardo DiCaprio

DiCaprio’s lengthy list of high-profile roles showcases the impressive range of movie genres he’s capable of starring in. When it comes to One Battle After Another, though, it’s apparent he and Anderson put a lot of thought into his character’s clothing, specifically, and for good reason.

During an interview with Collider, DiCaprio discussed the look of Bob, including his prescription sunglasses, but also mentioned why he “loved” that the character didn’t care about his wardrobe.

“No, I love the fact that there's this immediacy to these characters,” DiCaprio said. “What is Bob going to be doing when his past comes back to haunt him? He's going to be sitting there smoking pot, watching The Battle of Algiers, running out of his house with his robe on. He's got to get a secondary disguise. Everyone's coming after him. Let's get those orthopedic sunglasses to put over your prescription sunglasses and go.”

Then came the line from DiCaprio that highlights a uniquely perfect message that was sent regarding Bob’s robe and worn-down clothes in One Battle After Another.

“There was a lot of discussion on Bob's look,” he continued. “He's this freight train that keeps moving forward, and it's in the idea that he doesn't care about what he's wearing. It's about getting his daughter, and that's what I loved about it.”

It’d be outrageous to question the amount of thought and time that goes into making a movie for everyone involved. However, it’s details like this one that DiCaprio lays out that not only point to a bigger message, but can also play a role in helping make a movie great, rather than just good.

After all, if a chaotic moment happened in anyone’s life, it’s safe to assume that virtually no one would actually take the time to change their clothes and put on running shoes. DiCaprio and Anderson’s approach is real. It’s what people would truly do in the given situation, and it’s not surprising that the longtime Hollywood star is well aware of that.

Related: Leonardo DiCaprio Nearly Changed His Hollywood Name—Before His Dad Stepped In