“Copying Joaquin’s choices never works”: Leonardo DiCaprio’s $25 Million Fee Can Turn His Dream Project into a Box Office Flop, Source Claims

Leonardo DiCaprio’s $25M fee and an eccentric storyline in The Battle of Baktan Cross could turn his dream project into a box office flop.

While Leonardo DiCaprio has worked with a few of the most legendary filmmakers in Hollywood, it’s now time for him to fulfill his dream collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson.

Currently pouring his heart and soul into Anderson’s upcoming movie The Battle Of Baktan Cross, DiCaprio is said to be working on an eccentric storyline and oddball humor.

Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street | image: Paramount Pictures.

Well, part of the bizarre storyline is what’s making bigwigs at Warner Bros.

increasingly nervous about the project.

Considering how Leonardo DiCaprio has rarely worked in such movies, sources believe that The Battle Of Baktan Cross might turn into a box office flop, as audiences are not accustomed to seeing him in such roles.

On top of that, DiCaprio’s $25M fee is adding insult to injury.

Insiders believe Leonardo DiCaprio’s upcoming movie might struggle at the box office 

Known for delivering blockbuster hits and award-winning performances, Leonardo DiCaprio is now set to collaborate with his dream director Paul Thomas Anderson.

According to reports, the actor has been dreaming of working with Anderson since his early 20s, when he was almost cast in Boogie Nights, which later went to Mark Wahlberg.

So now, finally, Leonardo DiCaprio got the opportunity to work with the visionary filmmaker on his upcoming film, The Battle of Baktan Cross.

According to sources’ report via InTouch, DiCaprio has completely dedicated himself to the project, trying to exact the same level of success and acclaim that his rival Joaquin Phoenix achieved by starring in Anderson’s films.

Leo has been trying to find a film to do with Paul Thomas Anderson since he was in his early twenties, and 25 years ago, he almost played the lead role in PTA’s Boogie Nights that eventually went to Mark Wahlberg.

This collaboration has been on his bucket list for a while and it’s been tough for Leo to see his old rival Joaquin Phoenix win acclaim for his two extremely juicy leading roles for PTA in The Master and Inherent Vice.

But Leo didn’t become a superstar making pure-art movies and copying Joaquin choices never works.

Leonardo DiCaprio in Inception | image: Warner Bros.

Meanwhile, addressing Leonardo DiCaprio’s commitment to the film, sources at Warner Bros.

also revealed their fears and concerns surrounding the movie.

Claiming how the film might raise eyebrows since it’s expected to be quite different from the serious dramas and thrillers DiCaprio usually stars in, insiders noted that The Battle of Baktan Cross might even flop at the box office.

The day Battle of Baktan Cross is an extremely eccentric and bizarre movie that is going to be too weird for even Leo’s most adventurous fans.

[Studio is] probably going to move off of its summer 2025 release date for a more forgiving position on the release calendar.

Considering how the film will feature an eccentric storyline filled with oddball humor—something that might not sit well with his usual audience—sources believe that The Battle of Baktan Cross might struggle to attract a wide audience.

After all, fans are used to seeing Leonardo DiCaprio in intense, dramatic roles, and this upcoming film could be a risky experiment, even for his star power.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s $25M fee is adding to the challenge of making profits 

Leonardo DiCaprio in Shutter Island | image: Paramount Pictures.

Another major concern for Warner Bros.

is the cost of the film, which is seemingly inflated due to Leonardo DiCaprio‘s salary.

Considering how the actor is one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood, DiCaprio has reportedly sought a massive $25M paycheck for The Battle of Baktan Cross.

Now, while the actor has justified such high salaries in the past with his box office success, this time sources believe the risk is much higher.

Quite frankly, the problem here is Leo himself.

He agreed to make this movie and managed to get his full $25 million fee for the job, but that demand has swelled the budget to a level where making a profit will be extremely challenging.

With an unusual storyline that might not even appeal to half of Leonardo DiCaprio’s most arduous fans, sources at Warner Bros.

noted that the actor’s hefty fee might turn into a major financial challenge.

If the movie fails to attract a large audience, the studio might struggle to make a profit.

So now, while fans are excited to see DiCaprio in a new kind of role, Warner Bros.

is keeping a close watch to analyze the success of the film.

The Battle of Baktan Cross is set to release on August 8, 2025.