Leonardo DiCaprio Shares His Dad’s Impact

In a world where movies often challenge the status quo, One Battle After Another dives headfirst into a playful yet serious inquiry: what if your dad really cared? Sounds cheeky, right? But don’t let the lightheartedness fool you; this film is both a comedy and a thought-provoking commentary on fatherhood, featuring a stoner dad who ventures to the end of the Earth for his daughter.

DiCaprio’s Artistic Roots

During our chat with the legendary Leonardo DiCaprio, who takes on the role of a father on a grand quest to find his daughter, we had to ask about his dad, George DiCaprio, the underground cartoonist. It turns out, this old-school artist has played a colossal role in shaping Leo’s career as an actor.

“Absolutely! He’s the ultimate font of wisdom for me,” DiCaprio beamed at the One Battle After Another press junket. “Not just his smarts, but his knack for seeing things from various angles. I still dive into scripts with him—I mean, the guy’s perspective is just one-of-a-kind!”

A Pivotal Father-Son Relationship

Leo emphasized how much his father has influenced his journey in Hollywood. “When I was a young actor, he was my biggest cheerleader,” he reminisced. “I started hunting for agents when I was just a kid—about 10, 11, or 12. Picture me as a breakdancer with the weirdest haircut—no wonder agents tossed me aside! But my dad always told me, ‘Your time will come!’”

He continued, “He showed me the ropes of real filmmaking. We’d go watch movies and he’d say, ‘This is what it’s about. Check out those incredible actors! Learn from them!’ Honestly, I owe a lot to him.”

Benicio Del Toro’s Unique Journey

Switching gears, we asked co-star Benicio Del Toro about his own upbringing. “My folks were both lawyers,” he shared with a grin, “so I guess you could say they were actors in their own right—convincing folks is an art!”

Del Toro chuckled as he remembered how his dad’s questionable driving choice shaped his skills. “I had to do a lot of driving,” he laughed. “I mean, my dad had these massive cars. Sneaking them out for a spin was a rite of passage—but heavens, don’t scratch that baby!”

Teyana Taylor’s Gritty Role

On the flip side of this wild film is Teyana Taylor’s character, Perfidia, who wrestles with motherhood amid life’s chaos. Already generating buzz for her role, she remarked on her journey. “I tapped into my own survival experiences,” Taylor explained. “Perfidia is living in survival mode, and I totally get that. It’s like, sometimes, you’re your own best backup.”

She also pointed out how the film tackles postpartum depression, which resonated with her. “As a mother of two, I love how the script delves into that. It gave me room to explore and connect with her struggles. It’s all about feeling unseen and unheard sometimes.”

Newcomer Chase Infiniti Hits the Mark

Next up, let’s talk about Chase Infiniti, who plays Willa, Perfidia’s daughter hustling through life after her mom goes missing. It’s no easy feat for a newcomer, but Chase delivers a stellar performance. “Prepping to play someone who never met her mother? That’s a trip!” she said. “I started building Willa’s character without even having met Teyana until later—it was all about hearsay and stories. It was a unique way to get into the role!”

Regina Hall’s Heartfelt Character

And who could forget Regina Hall as Deandra, Perfidia’s ride-or-die friend? Hall is also in the awards conversation for her wonderfully nuanced portrayal. “Deandra truly loves Perfidia,” she said, “They fought the good fight together but life sure can throw curveballs!”

Recalling a poignant scene that got cut, she shared, “There’s a moment where Deandra uses code words to tell Perfidia to take care of her baby’s socks, and it’s loaded with meaning. It perfectly captures their friendship and love for Willa, bringing everything full circle.”