Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest movie, One Battle After Another, is set to premiere this weekend, finally marking a collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio. In a recent interview, Anderson was asked about his longstanding absence from the Mission: Impossible franchise and why he never got the chance to direct Tom Cruise in one of those films, despite their connection through Magnolia.
When questioned by the French newspaper Le Figaro about his lack of involvement with Cruise’s action-packed franchise, Anderson expressed regret, admitting that he was never contacted for the role and believes that opportunity has now passed.
I would have loved to, but I never received his phone call. I was very disappointed. I think he’s done with ‘Mission: Impossible,’ so it’s not going to happen,
Paul Thomas Anderson said bluntly.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Regret Over Turning Down Boogie Nights for Titanic
The director also addressed DiCaprio’s decision decades ago to skip out on starring in Boogie Nights, due to its focus on the adult film industry, choosing instead to work with James Cameron on the blockbuster Titanic. This was later reported by DiCaprio as one of his biggest professional regrets.
The role of Dirk Diggler, the character based on a California runaway who becomes a porn star, was eventually assigned to Mark Wahlberg, who interestingly has distanced himself from the film since then. Anderson defended DiCaprio’s choice, understanding the actor’s need to appeal to a broader audience at that stage of his career.
You should ask [Leo]. I don’t want to speak too much for him, but he had the choice between ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Titanic,’ and I think he felt it was important at that point in his career to make a film that could appeal to a wide audience. I can understand that. He had already made several arthouse films, very interesting but more confidential.
Paul Thomas Anderson explained.
Anderson’s mention of “arthouse films” most likely referred to DiCaprio’s early notable works such as This Boy’s Life, where he starred opposite Robert De Niro, who later introduced him to Martin Scorsese. DiCaprio also earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and starred in the true-crime inspired The Basketball Diaries, which interestingly co-starred a young Wahlberg, with both actors reconnecting later in Scorsese’s The Departed.
Addressing Political Violence in Relation to One Battle After Another
The interview also touched on recent political violence in the United States, highlighting murders linked to political figures, including the killing of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk and Democrat Melissa Hortman, the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, along with her husband. The fictional narrative of One Battle After Another involves political radicals opposing an oppressive government, prompting questions about any real-world parallels.
Anderson rejected the comparison, emphasizing the fictional nature of his film and distancing it from the troubled reality of political violence.
It is a horrible murder. I don’t think you can bring it back to my film, an action comedy that is very far from reality. I’m just trying to sell movie tickets for a fiction movie,
Paul Thomas Anderson responded.
The Importance of the Anderson and DiCaprio Collaboration in One Battle After Another
Despite missed chances with Tom Cruise and earlier projects, Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio’s partnership in One Battle After Another has created significant anticipation. Their reunion allows audiences to experience the director’s intense storytelling, combined with DiCaprio’s compelling performances, adding to their filmographies with a highly anticipated release.
This collaboration also highlights Anderson’s evolving career, from his earlier arthouse films to larger-scale productions, showcasing his ability to engage with broad audiences while maintaining distinct narrative voices.
Though the prospect of Anderson directing a Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible film seems unlikely now, his current work ensures he remains a pivotal figure in modern cinema.
