At a Glance
- Benicio del Toro almost missed appearing in One Battle After Another because of scheduling conflicts.
- He was honored with the NYFCC Best Supporting Actor award on Jan. 6, 2026.
- The film centers on a karate sensei who helps a billionaire’s daughter evade government agents.
Why it matters: The production showcases the perseverance required to align a star’s schedule with a demanding shoot.
Benicio del Toro’s journey to the screen was anything but straightforward. The 58-year-old actor revealed that he almost did not appear in One Battle After Another because his availability clashed with the film’s shooting schedule. The challenges were highlighted during his acceptance of the Best Supporting Actor award at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards on Jan. 6, 2026.
Benicio del Toro’s Near Miss
Del Toro explained that the project’s production had to pause while his calendar opened up. He said, “I think that’s how this movie was made and perhaps why I’m here, because there were many obstacles with the schedule and at moments it felt like I wasn’t going to be able to be a part of One Battle After Another,” referencing director Paul Thomas Anderson’s insistence on a mindset of persistence on set.
Award and Speech
During the ceremony, del Toro added, “But there were a lot of people that were very persistent. They felt that I had to [do the movie], that Sensei had to come for me,” underscoring the collaborative effort to keep the film on track.
Behind the Scenes: Scheduling Challenges
- Production halted in September while waiting for del Toro’s availability.
- Del Toro’s schedule was synchronized with the shooting of One Battle After Another.
- The persistence of the crew and cast was crucial to re-align the timeline.
The Film’s Storyline
Del Toro portrays Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, a karate instructor who trains Bob Ferguson’s daughter, Willa, played by Chase Infiniti. Ferguson, a billionaire portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio (51), seeks the sensei after learning that government agents led by villain Steven J. Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn (65), aim to capture him and Willa. Sergio, a community leader in the fictional city of Baktan Cross, Calif., becomes an ally who helps Ferguson evade law enforcement and fight to reunite with his kidnapped daughter.
Production and Casting Insights
DiCaprio shared in a September interview with ScreenRant that the film’s production stopped temporarily while the team awaited del Toro’s schedule. He praised the persistence of both del Toro and Penn, saying, “I have to say that both of these actors have inspired me my whole career,” and added that it was impressive how the actors were convinced of the role’s importance.
Del Toro further noted, “They didn’t sit there and let the stars align with this. They really fought very hard to create time so that I could be in One Battle After Another,” highlighting the dedication required to bring the project to fruition.
Availability
One Battle After Another is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 6, 2026 | Del Toro receives NYFCC Best Supporting Actor award |
| September 2025 | Production halts while awaiting del Toro’s schedule |
| January 26, 2026 | Film released on HBO Max |
Key Takeaways
- Benicio del Toro’s participation hinged on complex scheduling, nearly causing his absence.
- Persistence from the director, cast, and crew was essential to align timelines.
- The film’s narrative weaves a high-stakes thriller around a karate sensei’s mentorship.
- The movie’s release on HBO Max offers audiences a chance to witness the culmination of this collaborative effort.
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