Teyana Taylor is opening up about her experiences working with Leonardo DiCaprio in Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film, One Battle After Another. The pair, who star as an on-screen couple, have become fast friends, and Taylor has shared her admiration for the acclaimed actor.
Taylor revealed that her first impression of DiCaprio wasn't too surprising. "There were no real surprises. I mean, it's still Leonardo DiCaprio...Like, even in him being dead serious, it's still being funny," she told E! News. Despite DiCaprio's serious demeanor at times, Taylor found his personality to be naturally humorous.
The pair's friendship actually began years before filming, at Diana Ross' birthday party. DiCaprio recalled instantly connecting with Taylor, appreciating her sense of humor. He knew Taylor was being considered for the lead role and believed she would "bring the heat," which she certainly did. Taylor remembers sizing DiCaprio up while enjoying Ross' performance, and they "hit it off instantly". She even refers to him as her "wingman" and "partner in crime".
One Battle After Another, set to release on September 26, marks the first on-screen collaboration between Taylor and DiCaprio. The film, inspired by Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland, follows ex-revolutionaries reuniting to rescue a daughter. DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary being hunted by police, while Taylor plays Perfidia Beverly Hills, Bob's partner and the mother of his child.
Taylor has also praised DiCaprio as "a mentor and a great leader on the set". She noted that his professionalism and humor stood out, and that he kept things lighthearted even when focused. In an interview with InStyle, Taylor said that working with DiCaprio allowed her to see him "in a completely different light" and that "He don't play no games with that".
DiCaprio has also spoken highly of Taylor, noting that "She really dove into the essence of Perfidia and the feelings of being torn as a mother, as a partner and as a revolutionary". Director Paul Thomas Anderson added that Taylor "thinks like a filmmaker" and is "a good listener and she's got a big mouth. Good combo". He even recounted a scene where Taylor "absolutely man-handles Leo in the back of the car," adding that "It was fun watching her boss him around and f--- with him".
Despite their friendship, Taylor made it clear that she still had to earn her role in the film. She attended a chemistry read with DiCaprio and director Paul Thomas Anderson and focused on the task at hand. Taylor said, "I didn't use that at all. I went, I did my read, we did a chemistry read, and it was amazing".
