The Battle of Baktan Cross (BC Project)

The plot of The Battle of Baktan Cross is currently under wraps. However, there is speculation that it might be loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, updated to a modern-day setting. The film is said to include action elements, large stunts, car chases, and explosions, making it Paul Thomas Anderson’s most ambitious and mainstream project to date​.

Director and Production Team:

Paul Thomas Anderson is directing, based on a script he wrote. He is producing the film alongside Sara Murphy and Adam Sommer. The score will be composed by Jonny Greenwood, marking his sixth collaboration with Anderson. Filming took place in California and Texas, utilizing 35mm VistaVision cameras to capture a cinematic aesthetic​.

Cast:

The ensemble cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor, and others. DiCaprio is reportedly earning $20 million for his role, underscoring the film’s significant production scale​.

Filming Locations:

Filming began in January 2024 across Humboldt County, California (Eureka, Arcata, Cutten, and Trinidad). It later moved to Sacramento and El Paso, Texas. The production attracted some controversy due to the clearance of a homeless encampment during location filming in Sacramento​.

Release Date and Budget:

Scheduled for release on August 8, 2025, the film will also debut in IMAX, marking Anderson’s first project in the format. The reported budget ranges between $140 and $175 million, one of the highest for Anderson’s films​.