Leonardo DiCaprio’s New Film Shot in Sacramento, Set for September Release

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The much-anticipated film “One Battle After Another,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by 11-time Oscar nominee Paul Thomas Anderson, is set to be released on Sept. 26. The movie, partially filmed in California’s capital, has generated significant buzz following its reveal on social media.

The narrative centers around a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite after their nemesis resurfaces 16 years later to rescue a member’s daughter, as detailed by Amazon Prime Video. Fans have drawn parallels to Anderson’s earlier work, “Inherent Vice,” which followed the investigation conducted by Joaquin Phoenix’s character.

According to Mark S. Allen, a local filmmaker, the film is likely set around 1984 during the era of former President Ronald Reagan‘s governorship in California. Guerrero began production in February 2024, utilizing a variety of locations throughout Sacramento, including notable areas that Reagan frequented during his tenure as governor from 1967 to 1975.

Filming took place over about 16 days, with production potentially affected by inclement weather. DiCaprio, fellow Academy Award winner Sean Penn, and actress Regina Hall were reportedly among those spotted in the Sacramento area during this time. Other cast members include Teyana Taylor, Benicio Del Toro, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, and Chase Infiniti.

Scenes filmed in Sacramento featured simulated gunfire, car chases, and helicopter work. Jennifer West, commissioner of the Sacramento Film Office, addressed public safety concerns, ensuring the community that simulated activities were carefully controlled for entertainment purposes only. She stated, “While these elements may resemble real-life situations, they are part of a controlled production process.”u201d

One fan recounted seeing a staged car crash during a shooting scene, commenting on the excitement of the chase: “They must have been filming a chase scene because we saw a van speed off from a parking spot around the corner,” the fan said. They described the surreal experience of seeing actors in hustle and bustle, separated from the public by crew restrictions.

Among businesses benefiting from film production was Yolanda’s Tamales, a local restaurant that catered to the cast and crew. Owner Andres Yanez expressed pride in serving the team, saying, “Taking the cast and crew’s orders was one of the coolest experiences in my fifteen years of running the restaurant.” He recounted a last-minute request for 300 lunches, which prompted him to rapidly prepare and call in extra staff. “It feels really honoring, honestly. As a small business, it makes us feel good and like we are doing something right,” Yanez added.

In a less favorable aspect of the filming, the Sacramento Homeless Union reported that some individuals were displaced from Cesar Chavez Park due to production activities. Tents in the park were tagged with filming notices, and homeless residents were reportedly told to vacate the area. ABC10 reached out to city officials for comment but did not receive a response.

Despite challenges, the Sacramento Film and Media Office confirmed the Warner Bros. production had a substantial economic impact on the city, contributing to over $915,000 in hotel expenditures, equivalent to approximately 4,000 hotel stays. It also provided work for at least 172 local workers and involved 35 regional vendors. “Hosting a production of this caliber not only brings Hollywood stars to our city but also generates substantial economic benefits for our local businesses and workforce,” a city official stated.

Sacramento’s appeal as a filming location has grown significantly over the past decade. The Sacramento Film Commission’s efforts to promote local sites have attracted numerous productions, and industry insiders like location manager Stan Bautista note the availability of required resources while hiring local talent. The upcoming film “No Address,” starring Billy Baldwin and Ashanti, is another project filming in Sacramento, highlighting the city’s emerging role in the film industry.

Public anticipation for “One Battle After Another” remains high, as local residents expressed excitement and curiosity during filming. Michelle Mercado, who staked out a filming location, stated, “You rarely see celebrities and actors come here and do movies and shows. It’s pretty rare, so it was really amazing.” Anderson, celebrated for films like “There Will Be Blood” and “Licorice Pizza,” continues to build upon his storied career with this upcoming release.