Deleted Scenes Tease Alternate Version of One Battle After Another

As of October 1st, 2025, Paul Thomas Anderson's thriller One Battle After Another has been running successfully in theaters. The film, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall, has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative. However, it has now been revealed that the version audiences have seen is only a slice of what was originally filmed.

Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall recently spoke about the deleted scenes in an interview. They confirmed that a significant amount of material did not make the final cut, including an alternate opening sequence featuring actor Sean Penn. This opening would have provided a different perspective on the story. Additionally, a key scene showing the emotional bond between Taylor and Hall's characters was also removed during editing.

The deleted footage goes beyond just the film's prologue. Taylor also shared an action-packed scene she wished had been kept, describing a moment where her character jumps over a fence with a gun, reminiscent of a Tom Cruise stunt. This sequence would have pushed the film further into high-octane territory.

Both Taylor and Hall agreed that the director, Paul Thomas Anderson, has enough footage for "a whole other movie." The released version of One Battle After Another, they say, "barely scratches the surface of what was filmed." This suggests that the unseen scenes and alternate opening could have resulted in an entirely different, and perhaps more intimate and grounded, experience for the audience.

As of the current date, the film continues to captivate viewers, but the revelations about the deleted material hint at a bolder, more expansive vision that could have been explored. Fans of the director and the film will undoubtedly be eager to see what the unseen footage holds in store.