Benicio del Toro on What It Was Like Working with Leonardo DiCaprio (Exclusive)

Benicio del Toro recently shared insights about his collaborative experience with Leonardo DiCaprio on the upcoming film One Battle After Another. The movie, directed by the acclaimed Paul Thomas Anderson, is set to release in theaters on September 26, 2023. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE during the film’s L.A. premiere, del Toro reflected on his admiration for DiCaprio, revealing that the opportunity to work alongside such a talent was a long-awaited dream.

Del Toro, aged 58, expressed his profound respect for DiCaprio, citing him as an actor he has admired for years. “With Leo, you just let him bring the character,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of allowing DiCaprio’s performance to guide the narrative. Del Toro aimed to shape his own portrayal in a way that would complement and enhance DiCaprio’s contributions to the film. This collaboration reflects a common sentiment in the acting world: the idea that great performances can often stem from an interactive dynamic between actors.

DiCaprio, 50, reciprocated these sentiments during the premiere. He described his eagerness to work on the project, not just for its potential but also due to his longstanding admiration for Paul Thomas Anderson. Delivering praise for Anderson’s distinct ability to craft impactful narratives, DiCaprio mentioned how the director’s films often provoke meaningful conversations and stay in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll. “Awards can come and go,” he asserted, “but those pieces of art — that you still talk about and still think about and still question — those are the films that we strive for as an actor."

One Battle After Another features a stellar cast, including Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall, who play a group of former revolutionaries on a mission to rescue one of their now-adult daughters. This multi-layered storyline promises to deliver not just entertainment, but also a rich, thought-provoking experience for audiences.

From del Toro’s perspective, closely working with DiCaprio offered him a unique opportunity to refine his own craft, adjusting his performance in real time based on DiCaprio’s portrayals. This synergy is what seasoned actors often refer to as a "dance" between performers; a dynamic interplay where each actor’s strengths boost the overall quality of the performance.

The film also represents a significant collaboration for del Toro, reminding him of the collaborative nature of great cinema. He candidly noted, “Getting the chance to work with him was a great experience and a great opportunity for me.” It’s evident that this sentiment is shared by DiCaprio, who labeled working with Anderson as an “honor,” underlining the substantial respect both actors hold for the creative vision behind the film.

The excitement does not stop at the collaboration; One Battle After Another promises epic storytelling and complex character arcs, a signature of Anderson’s body of work. DiCaprio hints at the film’s vast scope and scale during his appearance at CinemaCon 2025, suggesting that viewers are in for an extraordinary cinematic experience. This type of filmmaking is particularly important in today’s landscape, where audiences seek more than just average entertainment; they crave narratives that evoke thought and resonate on multiple levels.

As the release date draws near, fans of both actors are understandably eager to see how their performances intersect within the framework of Anderson’s vision. The production is already generating buzz not only for its star-studded cast but also for its potential to produce critical conversations surrounding its themes and storytelling methods.

In today’s landscape where audiences are often bombarded with content, One Battle After Another is positioned to stand out, drawing in viewers with its compelling premise and the illustrious careers of its stars. Del Toro’s reflections and DiCaprio’s enthusiasm underscore the significance of quality storytelling in film, reinforcing the notion that collaborative artistry is invaluable in producing work that lingers with viewers long after the film is over.

Moreover, this film may mark a pivotal moment for both actors as they navigate their careers, adding another layer of depth to their filmographies. As artists, their ability to adapt, perform, and grow depends heavily on their experiences with other remarkable talents, and this project’s collaborative nature promises just that.

Fans of cinema are encouraged to mark their calendars for September 26, 2023, as One Battle After Another is set to captivate audiences. Both Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro bring not only their prowess as actors but also their respect and admiration for one another to the screen, elevating the film to a level that promises to engage and intrigue. This collaboration embodies what it means to honor the art of filmmaking: a blend of shared effort, admiration, and the pursuit of storytelling that resonates.

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